The Prayer of Relinquishment

As I've thought and prayed about Daisy Chain and its impending release, the Lord keeps putting this picture in my mind: me kneeling, giving the book to Him as an offering. So I've been doing this, laying the book before Him, letting Him have His way with it. This has not been easy, and as the days near when the book hits the shelves, it is harder and harder to do. But it's the only thing to do, really.

Today I was thinking about reactions to the book, some of which have surprised me. I prayed, "Lord, I'm not sure I like this."

"Mary," He said. "You gave this book to Me, remember? The results rest in My hands, not in your preconceived hopes."

Wow.

That's the prayer of relinquishment in action. It's giving something you value to God and letting its outcome rest there too, without taking it back. That's how it is with our relationships too. There are many relationships I've placed in God's hands, willingly (sometimes) giving the outcome to Him. In some instances He surprises me with reconciliation; other times I learn patience in the waiting. But in all of that, He is sovereign.

What do you hold tightly today?

Is it something you created? A book, a piece of art, your job?

Is it worry about finances or your future?

Is it a broken-beyond-belief relationship?

I can't guarantee you'll love the outcome if you pray this prayer, but I can say that in praying it I've experienced peace, knowing the Sovereign God of the Universe, the One who flung the stars into existence, is big enough to carry the things I clutch to myself.

Ready?

Dear Jesus, I give You _________________. I humble myself before You, believing You are bigger than me, that You are more than capable to handle my burdens. I don't know what the outcome of me giving up control of __________________ will be, but even so, I open my fist and let You grab it (or the person) from me. I want Your will. I want Your presence. I need Your strength. Please take this burden today and use it in my life for Your glory. Help me to entrust _____________ to You even when things seem dark. I trust You. At least I try. But help me to trust You today. Right now. I give it up. Amen.