Abba, I belong to you
I have been reading Brennan Manning’s book, The Furious Longing of God, very slowly this year. It is a rather short book, but I can’t seem to finish it. Part of me doesn’t want to because the chapters are resonating with me so much. So each time I finish a chapter I start it over again. After 3 or 4 readings I finally make my way to the next one.
In March I read his chapter titled __________. In this chapter he suggests to sit each day for 20 minutes only repeating the words, “Abba, I belong to You.” With the in breath, “Abba”, with the out breath, “I belong to you.” He suggests to do it for 30 days straight. I took Brennan’s advice and was overwhelmed with peace at the end of the 30 days. There was an overarching calmness that gave me a glimpse into the Psalmist words, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” (Ps 46:10)
I was impacted so much that I have continued this practice. Not every day, but most days for the past 6 months I have repeated these words for 20 minutes each day. Now, when I wake up each morning and take my first breath, I subconsciously say these words in my mind. When I am sitting in traffic or waiting in line at the store these words enter my mind again. What a great truth to have “haunt” my thoughts.
1 reply on “Abba, I Belong to You”
I just finished Manning’s book, “Abbas Child.” I had a hard time staying with it at the beginning & actually put it back on the shelf for months. Then I picked it up again & the chapter, “Present Risenness” stirred something in me & I read it the same way you are talking about…slowly, over & over. It was a blessing! I may have to look for “The furious longing…” Thanks for sharing.