One way to think about prayer is as a surrender to a bigger picture. A narrative you do not control. This is something that is hard for humans to do. A normal human being desires to be in command, to account for everything. However, the act of praying acknowledges that there are things over which the individual has no control. You discern and surrender to someone greater, mightier, and wiser than you could ever be in the place of prayer. A prayer and self-reflection routine will help you surrender to a bigger picture.
It is possible to do everything correctly and still fail. Success is never entirely in your control. Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” We can see that finding and surrendering to the bigger picture gives us the best chance of success. A scenario in which you are not in command and are eager to inquire, “show me how I fit into your plans?” As opposed to throwing a tantrum and crying like a petulant child who always wants to get their way.
You need to remember that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Pride is considered by a lot of mature believers to be the deadliest sin. This is because pride is the sin that displaces God in your life. James 4:10 (NLT) encapsulates this surrender: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honour.” In surrendering to God, there’s an elevation, a lifting beyond the ordinary. It all begins with an intentional acknowledgment that your roles, plans, and ambitions find their true significance when entrusted to a purpose beyond your understanding.
