Prayer: Yielding Control
The Divine Operating System. Component #1: Prayer
Let's be honest: sometimes our prayers can feel more like giving God a to-do list than surrendering to His will. We come with our own agendas and expectations, subtly trying to convince Him to see things our way.
But true prayer is not about bending God's will to align with ours; it's about yielding our desires and plans to His perfect purposes. It's about trusting that He sees the big picture and knows what's best, even when it differs from what we think we want.
So how do you practice yielding in prayer?
Start by examining your motives and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you're trying to control the outcome.
Be willing to let go of your own plans and preferences, trusting that God's ways are higher than yours.
Surrender doesn't mean becoming passive or indifferent. It means actively choosing to align your will with God's, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. It means praying with open hands, releasing your grip on your own dreams and desires, and saying “yes” to whatever He has in store.
Remember, yielding to God's will isn't a one-time event; it's a daily choice to trust in His goodness and wisdom. It may involve releasing long-held dreams or embracing unexpected detours. But as you learn to surrender your will to His, you'll discover the peace and freedom that come from resting in His perfect plans for your life.
[[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.]]