Every day, we are confronted with challenges that test our faith and conviction. Drastic changes in our life can, at times, make us upset and feel overwhelmed. There are moments when we feel that everything is spinning out of our control and that our desired outcomes do not happen.
These things tell us that life is full of uncertainties, major changes, and unknowns. No matter how many preparations or plans we have, things can go in the opposite direction from the way we want them to materialize. A lost job, a severe illness or the passing away of a loved one are some of the upheavals that bring us a lot of pain and questions.
This prayer to surrender to God brings us to a deeper faith in Him by entrusting everything to His will. Following the will of God is not always easy to do or understand. It takes a lot of trust and confidence in His providence to lay down all our burdens and rely on His guidance and love. In this prayer, let us ask for the grace of God to let go of everything that worries us and to humbly submit ourselves to His divine will.
Prayer to surrender to God
Almighty and ever-living God, from the very beginning You willed what is best for me. You created me in Your very own image and likeness. You so desire that I may share Your divine life for all eternity. I thank You for this magnificent gift and privilege.
You desire all the best things I could ever receive. But there are times when challenges, confusion, and disappointments come knocking at my door. It is during these times that I become restless, worried, and overwhelmed. These events sometimes lead me to question myself and You as well.
Forgive me, Father, for the times I have not seen You behind the thick veils of these trials and problems. I am deeply sorry for questioning Your plan for me. I sincerely confess my lack of trust in Your divine plan.
As I walk this path You specifically designed for me, please lead me by Your gentle yet mighty hands. I may not know what lies ahead of me, but I know it will all be well for me. Trusting and confident in Your promise that You will never abandon me, I surrender my will to Your loving and eternal will.
Father, each time I feel afraid or think that an event should go according to my plan, remind me that Your plan is and will always be the best. May I always put my trust in You no matter how difficult the situation may be. May I always walk according to Your will.
Your will is always for my welfare and redemption. Grant me the grace to want what You desire for me. May my will be one with Yours always.
Through Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Short prayer of surrender to God’s will
Ever-guiding Father, I come to submit myself to Your power and love. Whatever trials or difficulties I face now, I fully entrust them all to Your providence and guidance. May I ever be confident and trusting in Your will for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
The Word of God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NRSVUE
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 NRSVUE
Prayer to Saint Ignatius of Loyola for surrendering to God
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, valiant soldier and follower of Christ, your younger years were filled with an ardent desire to become a great warrior. You spent many of your years fighting and winning battles. You proved yourself as a well-known soldier.
But a tragic event changed the course of your life. It took a severe injury to lead you to God. I can only imagine the frustration and sadness you must have felt. You wanted to become the greatest soldier, but an injury put an end to your desire.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, faithful servant and soldier of Christ, I desire to follow the example of your life – a life of complete surrender and obedience to the will of God. I take your prayer as my own: “Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.”
As you laid down your sword and surrendered to God’s will, I too, lay down my stubbornness and pride and surrender myself to the will of God. Intercede on my behalf that I may also become Christ’s faithful and courageous soldier.
Beloved Saint Ignatius of Loyola, obedient follower of Christ, pray for me. Amen.
Further reflection
Life is not always painted the way we want it to be. Some events can put unpleasant shades on our lives. But these dark shades add deeper meanings to our life. These moments can become opportunities for us to stop and re-evaluate our lives and the direction we are being led to.
There are moments when we wish we could have done things differently. There are times when we think we could have done better than what we did. We resist. We succumb to frustration and anger. All of these distract us from what we should truly do: follow what God wills for us.
If we are to surrender, we ought to surrender ourselves to God. It is only in surrendering ourselves to Him that we can find peace and fulfillment. It may be hard, yes, but it will all be worth it. There is no greater happiness and calmness than resting in God’s will. There is no greater fulfillment than obeying the plan set out by God for us.
Surrendering to the will of God does not promise us a smooth journey. But it assures us of a safe and meaningful arrival. May we always ask the grace to submit ourselves fully to the mysterious yet assuring will of God in our lives. With full confidence in God, let us say, “Thy will be done, not mine”.
