Prayer is About Resigning: Surrendering to God's Will in True Prayer

This realm that constantly pushes us to seize control, to manifest our desires, and to demand outcomes on our terms, the true essence of prayer often gets lost amid the noise. As followers of Christ who hold firmly to the inerrant Word of God, we must return to the biblical foundation of prayer—not as a means of manipulation, but as an act of profound resignation to God's sovereign will. Drawing from the heart of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:10 (KJV)—"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven"—this blog post explores how prayer calls us to surrender, yielding our plans to the perfect purposes of our Heavenly Father. Inspired by a recent homily delivered to our fundamentalist congregation, let's unpack this transformative truth, weaving in additional Scriptures to illuminate its depth.

The Misconception of Prayer in Modern Times

Too often, prayer is portrayed as a spiritual shopping list or a cosmic vending machine: insert your requests, and out come the blessings. This self-centered approach permeates even some Christian circles, fueled by prosperity teachings that promise health, wealth, and success if we just "claim it" with enough faith. But as fundamentalists committed to sola scriptura—the Bible alone as our authority—we reject such distortions. Prayer isn't about twisting God's arm; it's about aligning our hearts with His eternal decree.

Consider the context of Matthew 6. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, warns against hypocritical prayers done for show (Matthew 6:5-6) and vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7-8). Instead, He models a prayer that begins with worship ("Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name") and quickly pivots to submission: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done." This isn't passive resignation like quitting a job in defeat; it's active trust in a God who knows best. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." When we pray, we're resigning our limited understanding to His infinite wisdom.

Jesus' Example: The Garden of Gethsemane

No greater model of resigned prayer exists than our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In the shadow of the cross, amid sweat like drops of blood, Jesus poured out His soul in Matthew 26:39: "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Here, the sinless Son of God expressed His genuine human anguish—He didn't hide His desires—yet He immediately surrendered: "Not as I will, but as thou wilt." This "nevertheless" is the hinge of true prayer. It acknowledges our feelings while prioritizing God's plan.

Expand this to our daily lives. When facing illness, financial hardship, or relational strife, we might pray for immediate relief. That's human. But like Jesus, we must add the "nevertheless." This echoes the psalmist's cry in Psalm 143:10: "Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness." Resignation in prayer builds character, fostering dependence on God rather than self-reliance. It's the antidote to anxiety, as Philippians 4:6-7 teaches: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

 Paul's Thorn and Job's Trials: Lessons in Surrender

The Apostle Paul provides another vivid illustration. Tormented by a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-9), he pleaded three times for its removal. God's answer? "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul's response was resignation laced with joy: "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities." He didn't sulk or rebel; he embraced God's will, allowing divine power to shine through his frailty.

Similarly, Job's story in the Old Testament exemplifies this principle. Stripped of family, health, and wealth, Job declared in Job 1:21, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Even when his wife urged him to curse God and die, Job resigned to God's sovereignty (Job 2:10). His eventual restoration wasn't a reward for demanding rights but for humble submission. As James 5:11 notes, "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

In our fundamentalist faith, these examples warn against the pitfalls of "asking amiss" (James 4:3), where prayers stem from selfish lusts rather than God's glory. Instead, we pray with Proverbs 3:5-6 in mind: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Applying Resignation in Everyday Prayer

So, how do we cultivate this resigned spirit in our prayers? Start small. In family devotions, pray not just for needs but for God's kingdom to advance in your home. In church, intercede for revival while resigning to His timing, as Daniel 2:21 affirms God's control over kings and seasons. Personally, when ambitions conflict with Scripture—perhaps a career move or relationship—deny self, take up your cross, and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24).

Beware the end-times deceptions: false prophets promising miracles without submission (Matthew 24:24). Hold fast to 1 John 5:14: "This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." True prayer resigns, and in that surrender, we find freedom, peace, and power.

Conclusion: A Call to Resigned Prayer

Beloved readers, as we navigate these challenging times, let Matthew 6:10 reshape our prayer lives. "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done." May we resign our wills daily, echoing the angels' perfect obedience (Psalm 103:20). In doing so, we'll experience the joy of Romans 14:17—the righteousness, peace, and joy of God's kingdom. Commit today to pray with resignation, and watch God work wonders beyond your imagination.

If this resonates, share your thoughts in the comments. How has resigned prayer changed your life? Let's encourage one another in the faith.

DMMC 

1-10-26