This was written during a time of dark depression and relentless anxiety. Had my faith failed me? Was God present in my despair?
The following is the songs progression. i was reading Scripture as much as I was able and trying desperately to hold on and ponder it. When a friend told me about Brennan Manning's prayer. Now on the other side, I endeavored to "lay it" down and hope it offers encouragement to a struggling Soul.
Brennan Manning prayed this centering prayer each morning and each night for many years. He taught it to others. You breath in as you say “Abba” and you breath out as you say “I belong to You.” You repeat it as you center yourself and think about God, our Abba, our Daddy, and the truth that you are His beloved child.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
-Romans 8:15
Hosea 10:12
12 Sow righteousness for yourselves,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers his righteousness on you.
Lamentations 3:22-24
22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;[a]
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
That sacred bravery which the Holy Spirit breathes into the child of God makes him cry Abba Father and in the spirt of adoption he lifts up his face unto God.
-Spurgeon