Abba I Belong To You

I was first introduced to the teaching of Brennan Manning in 1985 through a cassette tape. In that message he talked about a way of praying that I have practiced since that day. Breath prayers are prayers that can be recited in one breath. The example that he gave was the prayer Abba, I belong to you. As you breathe in you say “Abba” and as you breathe out you say “I belong to you.” So for the last twenty-eight years, on those nights when falling asleep seemed impossible, I found myself praying Abba, I belong to you. This is a comforting thought that I belong to God and that God loves me like a daddy loves his child. What a beautiful metaphor God has given us to describe what the love of God is like. I don’t have to look to far to see the love of a daddy for his child.

My son, Zachary, is a good daddy. I see how patient and kind is to my two grandsons. My oldest grandson, Noah, is a strong spirited little boy who knows what he wants and has great determination in fulfilling those desires. Sometimes, his daddy has to say no to him and this causes Noah great angst. The process that follows can be quite trying for his parents. And yet, I have watched Zach, and his wife Erika, respond to Noah with strength, kindness, compassion, and love time and time again. This is because they know that Noah is a gift given to them and so they handle him with great care. Noah knows that he belongs to his mom and dad in the since that they are home for him. He knows that he is safe in their arms.

As God’s children we can find that same comfort in our place in God’s kingdom. We can find safety in God’s embrace and know that this is home for us. So if you find yourself worrying about the stresses of life, take a few minutes to remember how deeply you are loved and pray:

Abba, I belong to you…

Today I read of Brennan Manning passing and my heart is filled with gratitude for the courageous way that he lived his life. His life was filled with deep pain and suffering and yet he ran after God through it all. He was not afraid to share his brokenness with anyone who was willing to listen if it could lead them to the loving arms of Jesus. Thank you Brennan for your transparency and your vulnerability. Rest in the arms of your Abba…