But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” – Psalm 31:14

I’ve been thinking a lot about prayer lately. I guess that’s no big surprise, because you know that I believe that prayer is the essence of our relationship with our Father. It connects us. It changes things. Prayer is powerful.

But God has started pointing out some details about prayer that really have me re-thinking the way I do things. Let me explain.

I pray, “Grant me peace.” Or other days, “Give me the strength to get through this.” Or how about, “Let me have the courage to fight through.”

God’s been whispering to me about the fact that I refuse to just hand it right over. (You remember my One Word this year, Surrender??)

While I’m inviting the Savior into my day, into my space, into my life, I am standing right alongside Him there. Wild horses couldn’t budge me.

While I’m definitely aware of not being able to do this thing called life alone, I insist on being in the ring with my Defender. My feet are bolted to the floor, my fists clenched at my sides.

God doesn’t just hint around, though. He doesn’t leave me guessing about what I’m doing lopsidedly here… no, He comes right out and says it.

“You believe that trusting is not enough.”

“Oh, no, Lord, I do trust You, I DO!” I answer vehemently. But then I start to think about it. I trust. You bet I do. But I always want my finger in the pie. My toe in the water. My will in the mix.

Is that really trusting?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

And so I have begun to frame my prayers in a new way. I will converse with Him, as I always do. I will tell Him my needs and concerns. Then I will step aside, leaving it there with Him, not lugging it along with me all day long. Instead of keeping an eye out for when I can jump in to make things happen, I will keep both ears open and not become involved until and unless God leads me.

Lately my prayers sound more like this:

“Let peace win the day.”

“Use Your strong arm to protect me.”

“I rest in Your courage, Lord.”

You wouldn’t believe the difference in my days when I start off really handing my King the day.

What is God whispering to you about this week? What can you surrender?

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7

Heavenly Father, I am really amazed at what You are teaching me about my one word this year. As always, I’m blown away by the difference it makes in my life, when I surrender my will to Yours. Lord, take this day. I rest fully in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

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May God Bless You,

Shelly