Prayer: Releasing Others

The Divine Operating System. Component #1: Prayer

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

Forgiveness

When it comes to praying for others, it's easy to slip into the role of judge, jury, and executioner. We can find ourselves subtly trying to control outcomes, prescribing solutions based on our limited understanding, or even passing judgment on their choices and circumstances.

But true intercession requires a posture of humble release, entrusting the people we love to the wise and loving care of God. It means acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours and that He alone sees the full picture of their lives and hearts.

So how do you release others to God in prayer?

• Start by checking your motives and surrendering any desire to control or dictate outcomes.

• Choose to trust that God is at work in their lives, even when you can't see or understand His methods.

• When you're tempted to pass judgment, ask God to help you see them through His eyes of grace and compassion.

• Remember that He is the only one who can truly change hearts and transform lives.

As you pray, focus on releasing your loved ones into God's capable hands. Imagine placing them on His altar, trusting that He will lead, provide, and intervene according to His perfect will. Replace any anxiety or frustration with the peace that comes from resting in His sovereignty.

Remember, releasing others to God doesn't mean becoming detached or uncaring. It means choosing to love and support them while ultimately entrusting their well-being to the One who loves them even more than you do. It's an act of faith and surrender, believing that His plans for them are good, even when the path ahead is unclear.

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[[Note: Excerpted from, The Divine Operating System: 16 Vital Components for Optimizing Your Daily Christian Life, a brand new book by Iann Schonken, released in June 2024.]]