Do you ever wonder if God hears our prayers and laughs because our prayers sound like we're calling the shots and telling Him what to do? In those moments, verses like Proverbs 16:9 remind us of an important truth:
In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. — Proverbs 16:9 NIV
This ancient wisdom is so true, especially for those who like to be in control. We see what needs doing and are the first to do it, even if the problems aren't ours. Ouch.
Too often, our control-loving mindset looks like "do first, pray later," which explains why we frequently jump into spaces where God has not called us to be, or we're too impatient to let God work because we're worried about the outcome. Our control-loving slogan sounds like "Something needs to be done and I need to do it NOW." If we can't see God working in a direction we approve, we'll get to work with our control-loving tools like micromanaging, interfering, enabling, or stonewalling.
We make our plans but forget that God is still the good, loving, sovereign captain of S.S. Humanity.
I'm sharing three prayers from the Psalms and Jesus that you can use to release control to God and trust Him with your problems or fears. Whether you're afraid of what will happen if you let go of control or know you need to stop trying to boss everyone around, these prayers will calm your heart and remind you that God is good and He is in charge.
Prayer for Better Control of Our Words
Jesus' brother James wrote that the power of life and death is in the tongue. My goodness! Those words are so true. How often do we try to control others with our worlds? How many of us have either killed or nearly destroyed our relationships because we spoke before we prayed?
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer. — Psalm 19:14 NIV
Prayer Prompt: If you tend to speak first and regret it later, write this prayer down on a notecard, tape it to your bathroom mirror, or program it into your phone to pray throughout the day. This is a proactive prayer, so praying regularly will embed these words in your heart, and God will bring them to mind when you're on the verge of using controlling words.
Praying to Release Control of Problem People
As the author of nearly half the Psalms, David records many conversations with God, discussing people out to get him. In Psalm 31, we're not told who David's enemies are, but they pose a significant threat. Perhaps you have difficult people or enemies, and it's tempting to contrive ways to silence them or pay them back for their wrongs toward you. Yet, Here is David's prayer:
But I trust in You, Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me... — Psalm 34:14-15 NIV
Rather than fight those enemies on his own, David decides to turn the task over to his big God. David declares his trust and calls on "my God" to care for him.
Prayer Prompt: Do you need to pray this prayer with a particular co-worker, family member, or neighbor?
Prayer for When We're Afraid to Let Go of Control
For years, I prayed about problems, but I was afraid to surrender my problem. I'd sit in church during prayer time with a 1000 lb. problem on my lap. I was in pain or suffocating, and the cross was so close. But fear and pride kept me from laying it down. I believed God was powerful enough to do anything, but I was afraid He wouldn't handle my problem like He would. My heart longed for peace, but my attempts were as faulty as a broken GPS in a blizzard. God allowed me to suffocate under the weight until I finally admitted I couldn't carry it any longer.
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus shows us what surrender looks like when we're stressed or afraid to let go of control. First, as the mob approached to arrest and later crucify him, Jesus took the disciples to pray. He didn't hatch an escape plan, wring His hands, or rail against God. He was intentional about taking time to pray.
Then, Jesus shows us His struggle with surrender in prayer:
My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will. — Matthew 26:39 NIV
Notice Jesus's prayer begins with God, not His stress or the problem. He comes to God as Father, which lets us know Jesus trusted God's heart and sovereign plan. Jesus is honest about not wanting to face suffering and asks God for a reprieve. We can do the same. Surrendering isn't giving up on a miracle or giving into hopelessness. Surrender is releasing the outcome to God and trusting Him through it, come what may.
Prayer Prompt: As you've read along today, perhaps you're thinking of a situation where you've been afraid or resisting, but your heart is finally ready to trust God as Jesus did. Here is an additional prayer for you.
God, I can't. But You can. I will let You. Amen.
Write this prayer out and use it as much as needed.
Conclusion
Letting go of control isn’t easy, but these scripture-based prayers are a great next step for you. Screenshot these verses, write them down and practice praying them each morning so God’s Spirit can use these words to transform your heart from jumping to take control to resting in the peace of the God who is in control.
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Written for Devotionals Daily by Barb Roose, author of Matthew: Pray Like This.
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Your Turn
Are you a control freak? If so, you’re in good company. When we release control to God, we can lean back against Him and rest. Let’s lean into His peace! ~ Devotionals Daily