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“God creates everything out of nothing- and everything
which God is to use he first reduces to nothing”
– Soren Kierkegaard
Do you know what a great freedom this crucifixion of the will is?
It means freedom from the fine threads of self-life; they hyphenated
sins of the human spirit. It means freedom from the self-sins: self-sufficiency,
self-pity, self-absorption, self-abuse, self-aggrandizement, self-criticism,
self-deception, self-exaltation, self-depreciation, self-indulgence,
self-hatred, and a host of others just like them. It means freedom
from the everlasting burden of always having to get our own way.
It means freedom to care for others, to genuinely put their needs
first, to give joyfully and freely.
- Prayer by Richard FosterPracticing the Prayer of Relinquishment
1. Self-emptying - Philip. 2:5-8
- Wait quietly
- Listen carefully
- Obey fully
2. Prayer of Surrender
- Example: “Not my will, but yours be done.”
- Invite the resurrected one to interpret these words into your
life, your family, your vocation
3. Prayer of Abandonment
- Example: “Father, I abandon myself into your hand; do with
me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for
all, accept all. Llet only your will be done in me – I wish
no more than this, O Lord.”
- Allow the Sovereign of your heart to specify what needs to be
laid at his feet
4. Prayer of Release
- Lift into his arms your children, spouse, your friends
- Place into his care your future, hopes, and dreams
- Hold up to him your enemies, your angers, and your desire for
retaliation
- Give it all into his hands, turn around, and walk away
5. Prayer of Resurrection
- Example: “Lord, bring back to life what will please you
and advance your Kingdom. Let it come in whatever form you desire.
Let it be in your time and in your way. Thank you Lord for resurrection.”
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