What do you think?
Rate this book
Abba's Heart: Finding Our Way Back to the Father's Delight
Dad, do you love me?
It's a question that haunts the deepest parts of our hearts. We bury ourselves in pursuits big and small, afraid to face the shame, unworthiness or loneliness echoing in the silence of a question unasked.
Yet something in us needs to know. We long to feel that we are unconditionally, extravagantly, irresistibly loved.
This book is your invitation to experience that lavish love finally and fully. In these pages you will begin a journey of discovering the good news Jesus revealed: that the Father loves you. You will uncover the lies that have kept you from Him and from His mercy. And you will sense the incredible joy of the strength, acceptance and love flowing from His heart into yours.
You are loved. You are accepted. You are home.
"A powerful invitation to know God as our Father, to experience His fatherly love and to witness that love to others in our everyday lives."--Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Philadelphia
"A wonderful, enlightening and moving book."--Randy Clark, D.Min., founder and president, Global Awakening and the Apostolic Network of Global Awakening
"For those who feel empty, lonely or thirsty. . . . it would be impossible to read this book and not fall more deeply in love with God."--Mary Healy, associate professor of sacred Scripture, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
"This is a beautiful and hope-filled book."--from the foreword by John Eldredge, president, Ransomed Heart; bestselling author
It's a question that haunts the deepest parts of our hearts. We bury ourselves in pursuits big and small, afraid to face the shame, unworthiness or loneliness echoing in the silence of a question unasked.
Yet something in us needs to know. We long to feel that we are unconditionally, extravagantly, irresistibly loved.
This book is your invitation to experience that lavish love finally and fully. In these pages you will begin a journey of discovering the good news Jesus revealed: that the Father loves you. You will uncover the lies that have kept you from Him and from His mercy. And you will sense the incredible joy of the strength, acceptance and love flowing from His heart into yours.
You are loved. You are accepted. You are home.
"A powerful invitation to know God as our Father, to experience His fatherly love and to witness that love to others in our everyday lives."--Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Philadelphia
"A wonderful, enlightening and moving book."--Randy Clark, D.Min., founder and president, Global Awakening and the Apostolic Network of Global Awakening
"For those who feel empty, lonely or thirsty. . . . it would be impossible to read this book and not fall more deeply in love with God."--Mary Healy, associate professor of sacred Scripture, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
"This is a beautiful and hope-filled book."--from the foreword by John Eldredge, president, Ransomed Heart; bestselling author
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2015
91 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Neal Lozano
17 books26 followersNeal Lozano (born 1949) is a non-fiction author who has run a deliverance ministry for over 35 years.
He currently serves as a senior coordinator of the House of God's Light, an interdenominational Christian community which he has pastored for thirty years.
He has become an international speaker and has spoken all over the world at various conferences.
On deliverance, which he and his wife have performed at no charge hundreds of times over the years, Lozano says, "I've found that if you expect manifestations, you get them," and "they are real manifestations, but you can either stir them up by focusing on the devil, or you can focus on the person and help them take responsibility, through Christ."
Lozano is a cousin to Father Michael Scanlan.
-Wikipedia
He currently serves as a senior coordinator of the House of God's Light, an interdenominational Christian community which he has pastored for thirty years.
He has become an international speaker and has spoken all over the world at various conferences.
On deliverance, which he and his wife have performed at no charge hundreds of times over the years, Lozano says, "I've found that if you expect manifestations, you get them," and "they are real manifestations, but you can either stir them up by focusing on the devil, or you can focus on the person and help them take responsibility, through Christ."
Lozano is a cousin to Father Michael Scanlan.
-Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 21, 2024
“In finding a father, we find something of ourselves”
A dear friend gave me this book, and it ended up being perfect for my season of life. We all need to come home to the Father. I think everyone should read it. It is now in my top 3 spiritual books.
A dear friend gave me this book, and it ended up being perfect for my season of life. We all need to come home to the Father. I think everyone should read it. It is now in my top 3 spiritual books.
June 7, 2019
I picked up this book for a few reasons. First, I had been hearing about Neal Lozano and specifically his book Unbound for a while now. Second, My manager at work was given a copy of this book by an aunt who is a nun, who had highly recommended it. My manager knows I read and review a lot of Catholic books and he wanted to know if I had read this one. After I shared I had not but had heard good things about the author. Then I looked up the book, and it looked really intriguing. The book has a few endorsements by authors I respect. Many years ago, I had read several books, and lead several group studies based on the works of John Eldredge. In fact, there was a period between 2003 and 2006 that if I was to mention a book it was like one by Eldredge. So, seeing that he had written one of the two forwards intrigued me even more. Rather than waiting for my manager to finish the book and then read it I picked up the eBook and started reading it that night. So my third reason was the introduction by Eldredge, which was able to be read in an online preview ‘look inside’ of the book. Eldredge in his forward states:
“I tell you the truth—I began to experience the Holy Spirit using it in my own heart as I read the manuscript on a recent flight. Right there, on an airplane, in the midst of a very hectic week, I suddenly found myself drawn into a sort of sanctuary of truth. The Spirit was so present in these pages, ever so gently drawing me back to my Father’s heart in the moment. Like a drowning man coming up for air, I found myself coming to realize God’s love for me, and just what it means to be His son. Neal is right—coming home to the Father’s heart is our deepest and most desperate need.”
And reading the book in some ways feels like Reading Eldredge’s own works, but with a slightly more Catholic perspective. Father John Horn in the second forward states:
“If I will surrender each day to receiving my spiritual inheritance in and with Jesus, all will be well. He reveals the Father’s desire to strengthen and console me. This is especially true in any suffering that I am being permitted to endure. The artful prayers that are supplied with each chapter are keys that open the heart to receive more of the gift of all gifts, Abba’s affectionate embrace. As I prayed through these prayers I was very mindful that Mary was the first to respond in intimacy to the Father as she received Jesus into her womb. Her yes echoes down through history in our yes to the Father.
I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ bless you now with an increase of faith, and that you will permit yourself to receive new revelation about the Father’s affectionate care.”
And it does do a wonderful job of that. In fact one of the great strengths of this book is the prayers at the end of each chapter. The sections in this book are:
Endorsements
Epigraph
Dedication
Contents
Foreword by John Eldredge
Foreword by Fr. John Horn
Preface
Introduction
Section 1: The Way Home
Section 2: The Father’s Heart
Section 3: Coming Home
Section 4: Life in the Father’s House
Appendix: Unbound: Five Keys to Greater Freedom in Christ
Notes
Each chapter begins with a biblical verse, then contains the teaching section. And finishes with a prayer. A sample prayer from Chapter 13, ‘Empowered to Server’, is:
“Father, I am Your child, and You have given me Your Son and Your Holy Spirit. I no longer need to live under shame, believing that something is wrong with me, that I am weak or fatherless. I am Your son/daughter, and I represent You wherever I go. Show me how to stand in Your authority over sin, to live in truth and to love with Your love. I want to carry Your presence into every situation. I want to serve others with Your compassion, in the name of Jesus.”
For any Christian this book would be a wonderful read. For Christian men, especially, it is an important read. And for Catholics to have a book written with a sensitivity to our tradition along these lines is a rare find and this is an excellent volume. But I will warn you, once you finish this volume you might want to immediately plunge into Unbound.
This is a great read no matter where you are in your spiritual journey!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
“I tell you the truth—I began to experience the Holy Spirit using it in my own heart as I read the manuscript on a recent flight. Right there, on an airplane, in the midst of a very hectic week, I suddenly found myself drawn into a sort of sanctuary of truth. The Spirit was so present in these pages, ever so gently drawing me back to my Father’s heart in the moment. Like a drowning man coming up for air, I found myself coming to realize God’s love for me, and just what it means to be His son. Neal is right—coming home to the Father’s heart is our deepest and most desperate need.”
And reading the book in some ways feels like Reading Eldredge’s own works, but with a slightly more Catholic perspective. Father John Horn in the second forward states:
“If I will surrender each day to receiving my spiritual inheritance in and with Jesus, all will be well. He reveals the Father’s desire to strengthen and console me. This is especially true in any suffering that I am being permitted to endure. The artful prayers that are supplied with each chapter are keys that open the heart to receive more of the gift of all gifts, Abba’s affectionate embrace. As I prayed through these prayers I was very mindful that Mary was the first to respond in intimacy to the Father as she received Jesus into her womb. Her yes echoes down through history in our yes to the Father.
I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ bless you now with an increase of faith, and that you will permit yourself to receive new revelation about the Father’s affectionate care.”
And it does do a wonderful job of that. In fact one of the great strengths of this book is the prayers at the end of each chapter. The sections in this book are:
Endorsements
Epigraph
Dedication
Contents
Foreword by John Eldredge
Foreword by Fr. John Horn
Preface
Introduction
Section 1: The Way Home
Section 2: The Father’s Heart
Section 3: Coming Home
Section 4: Life in the Father’s House
Appendix: Unbound: Five Keys to Greater Freedom in Christ
Notes
Each chapter begins with a biblical verse, then contains the teaching section. And finishes with a prayer. A sample prayer from Chapter 13, ‘Empowered to Server’, is:
“Father, I am Your child, and You have given me Your Son and Your Holy Spirit. I no longer need to live under shame, believing that something is wrong with me, that I am weak or fatherless. I am Your son/daughter, and I represent You wherever I go. Show me how to stand in Your authority over sin, to live in truth and to love with Your love. I want to carry Your presence into every situation. I want to serve others with Your compassion, in the name of Jesus.”
For any Christian this book would be a wonderful read. For Christian men, especially, it is an important read. And for Catholics to have a book written with a sensitivity to our tradition along these lines is a rare find and this is an excellent volume. But I will warn you, once you finish this volume you might want to immediately plunge into Unbound.
This is a great read no matter where you are in your spiritual journey!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
February 22, 2023
100000/10
Hay libros que llegan en el mejor momento y así paso con este libro. Quiero creer que así pasó y probablemente por eso mi calificación pero realmente es un libro que si o si te lleva, o mucho intenta, llevarte a un lugar de intimidad y comunión con el Padre.
Ame como escribe Niel, no había leído un libro de el y este fue un excelente primer libro. Habla sobre la vida en comunión con la Trinidad, el ser hijos y no esclavos, los deseos de nuestro corazón y la historia personal. Me recordó muchas cosas que necesitaba volver a leer y de las que siempre quisiera acordarme. Comparte muchas experiencias de sanación y liberación.
Este libro es un abrazo del Padre.
“In the Father’s house we allow God to transform us by rebuilding our foundational identity; we are His beloved.”
“One whisper from the Father can change everything”
“Your life is a journey Home”
Hay libros que llegan en el mejor momento y así paso con este libro. Quiero creer que así pasó y probablemente por eso mi calificación pero realmente es un libro que si o si te lleva, o mucho intenta, llevarte a un lugar de intimidad y comunión con el Padre.
Ame como escribe Niel, no había leído un libro de el y este fue un excelente primer libro. Habla sobre la vida en comunión con la Trinidad, el ser hijos y no esclavos, los deseos de nuestro corazón y la historia personal. Me recordó muchas cosas que necesitaba volver a leer y de las que siempre quisiera acordarme. Comparte muchas experiencias de sanación y liberación.
Este libro es un abrazo del Padre.
“In the Father’s house we allow God to transform us by rebuilding our foundational identity; we are His beloved.”
“One whisper from the Father can change everything”
“Your life is a journey Home”
June 3, 2025
Puno toga mi je sjelo u srce, nešto još tek treba, a nešto još ne mogu dokučiti. 💜
February 7, 2019
This is one of the most practical books for deepening our spiritual life and connecting with God as a Father. Lozano uses the story of the Prodigal Son as the foundation for the book and fleshes out how we all run away and would be warmly embraced back into the Father's home if we returned. Lozano highlights some personal stories of people with whom he has seen the work of the Father's hand in their lives. Whether our father wounds are deep or not, Lozano perfectly explains how the temptation of sin and the inevitability that our earthly fathers cannot be perfect obscures the Truth of God, the Father. In following the Prodigal Son, Lozano helps us see how we've run away due to our flawed perception of the Father, enslaved ourselves to pursuing lesser things, come up empty, and experienced the need to return to the Father. Once we return, we have to relearn our identity, our authority, and the truth of the Father we had become blind to.
In addition to being practical, this book is simple to understand. As a snob who normally goes for hardcore theology, this was just as rich.
In addition to being practical, this book is simple to understand. As a snob who normally goes for hardcore theology, this was just as rich.
June 14, 2025
I never had a father present in my life, so I have wounds that only my Heavenly Father can mend. Through this book and personal encounters with God through Jesus, I have come to learn how much Abba loves me and would choose me over and over again. Recommended for anyone wanting to know more about God and His loving and merciful nature.
January 18, 2020
“your existence began in the Father’s heart, and there you are destined to return. Your life is a journey Home. He is waiting for you with delight”
So much goodness and truth. God seeks to fill the hole inside so let Him. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
So much goodness and truth. God seeks to fill the hole inside so let Him. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 14, 2020
Excellent book! Helps us to have a better understanding and relationship with God the Father, and uses the parable of the prodigal son to illuminate points. Well written and obviously from personal meditation and relationship with God.
March 16, 2021
What a beautiful book. Abba’s Heart is a book I didn’t know I needed. The writing is thought provoking and truly called me to a deeper relationship with God the Father. I read this one slowly so I could absorb each chapter’s wisdom. This is a book I will come back to again and again.
August 6, 2018
Enjoyed this book as a follow up to Unbound. Helped to understand the Father's blessing more.
February 4, 2022
Good book!
May 7, 2022
Para tener siempre cerca
March 21, 2023
¡Gran libro! Muy A GUSTO... Creo que da una estructura real sobre cómo encontrarte con Dios Padre... RECOMIENDO 10000000%
January 31, 2024
Knjiga koja iz korijena mijenja život
June 14, 2025
was alright. I liked the little 'i love you dad, do you love me?' bit. helped me to view God as more of a father than just the big G
December 11, 2021
Recommended to me by a priest friend.
I started it as though it was homework, an assignment.
Upon completion I realized it was one of the most important books I have ever read.
I started it as though it was homework, an assignment.
Upon completion I realized it was one of the most important books I have ever read.
August 18, 2015
Many Christians have difficulty embracing God as Father. Perhaps there are hurts from childhood. The Lozanos have written this book to help us see the Father for who He is and then move toward loving Him and being loved by Him. They share their own stories and those of others that are very encouraging. They also encourage living in that authority of being a child of God. This will be a process for most. This book is not a cure all but will give the encouragement for the journey.
You can read my complete review at http://bit.ly/1NeVHv0.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
You can read my complete review at http://bit.ly/1NeVHv0.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
August 5, 2016
I highly recommend this book. It is so practical and straight forward and written in such a loving manner. I'm going to read it again but this time purposely ear mark key points and add my comments.
I found this book my a pleasant happenstance, and I'm glad I did!! It is a really good book!
I found this book my a pleasant happenstance, and I'm glad I did!! It is a really good book!
May 29, 2016
This is a good resource for someone who is just starting to learn about their identity as a beloved son/daughter of God the Father.
August 20, 2024
This was a hard book for me to read and I didn't really relate to it. It was still very good, great for reading in adoration! :)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews