A Daily Prayer of Surrender

Father, I open my hands.

Everything I'm gripping this morning — my plans, my reputation, my people, the outcome I've already decided I need — I loosen my hold and lift it to You.

Not my will, but Yours. I've prayed those words before and taken them back by lunchtime. You know that about me, and You love me anyway. So I'll pray it again, today: not my will, but Yours.

Whatever You give today, help me receive it. Whatever You take away, help me release it. Whatever You delay, help me wait for it without sulking.

I'd rather be in Your will with empty hands than outside of it holding everything I ever wanted.

Have Your way in me today, Lord.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

This is a prayer for every day, but especially for seasons of waiting — a diagnosis pending, a decision out of your hands, a door that won't open. Some people pray it with their palms physically turned upward. It helps.

A Verse to Hold On To

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV)