The Transformative Journey of Letting Go in Faith
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Chapter 1: The Struggle of Letting Go
In moments of deep distress, like when Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, we see a profound struggle. He approached the Father in despair, yet did not receive what he sought. Ultimately, he surrendered his formidable human desire, which clamored, “Let my will be done,” in favor of the divine, “Thy will be done.” It was at this pivotal moment that he fully committed himself to God.
How did he arrive at this state of surrender? What does it take to relinquish personal desires and wholly accept divine intentions?
The Challenge of Releasing Control
Experiencing the full strength of God's will can be challenging, especially when it diverges from our own. The key lies in the prayer of release, one of the toughest forms of prayer. The internal battle against our own resolute will is a crucial aspect of this prayer.
Letting go should not be viewed as a sorrowful acceptance of fate; instead, it should be seen as a hopeful release into an unknown future. The sacrifice of personal will is invariably followed by a rebirth. God does not seek to obliterate our human desires; rather, he aims to reshape them.
Photo by Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash
Chapter 2: The Five Steps of the Prayer of Release
The following five steps are inspired in part by Richard Foster’s book, Prayer.
Self-Emptying Prayer
This initial stage is vital, as only empty hands can grasp the blessings that God offers.
Surrendering Prayer
There comes a realization that what we desire may not align with God's will. In that instant, a conscious decision to submit to God's plan is made. This is the moment of true surrender.
Abandoning Prayer
After choosing to surrender, the heart must align with this decision. Abandonment signifies the relinquishing of both mind and heart desires to God.
Release Prayer
Once all hope of dictating outcomes is released and your will is entrusted to God, you may begin to feel the tranquility that comes from resting in divine will. The responsibility for outcomes is lifted; everything rests with God.
Resurrection Prayer
Having died to self, you are now poised for a new beginning. This resurrection brings an unparalleled joy, creating a sense of invincibility. You are embraced in God's hands, feeling empowered and free from fear. You realize that nothing can sever your bond with God's love.
Before this resurrection occurs, one must traverse the crucifixion phase. This makes the prayer of release one of the most arduous yet rewarding spiritual journeys.
The first video, When Enough is Enough – Deciding to Let The Pain Go, delves into the challenges of relinquishing control and the emotional turmoil involved in this process.
The second video, In the Pain of Letting Go (acoustic) // David Brymer - LIVE in the M.E., offers a musical exploration of the emotional landscape involved in letting go.
What has been your journey with the "prayer of release"?