Surrendering your life and will to a higher power is essential to recovery. For many of us who have struggled with addiction, letting go can feel scary. We like to be in control, but that control often leads us down the wrong path. Surrendering isn’t about giving up; it’s about trusting that there’s something bigger than ourselves that can guide us to a better life. Here’s how you can surrender your life and will to a higher power.
What Does It Mean to Surrender?
Surrendering means admitting that you can’t do everything on your own. It’s accepting that you need help and that there’s a power greater than yourself that can lead you to a better place. This power can be anything you believe in—a loving God, the universe, nature, or even the support of a group of people. The important thing is to let go of your need to control everything and start to trust in this higher power.
How to Surrender: Steps to Let Go
Admit You Need Help – The first step to surrendering is admitting that you can’t do it alone. Say it out loud or write it down: “I need help.” This simple act can help you open your heart and mind to surrender.
Let Go of Control – We often think that everything will be okay if we can control everything. But the truth is that control is an illusion. Trying to control people, places, and things only leads to frustration. Instead, focus on the things you can control—your thoughts, your actions, and your attitude.
Trust the Process – Trusting a higher power doesn’t mean everything will always go as you want. It means believing that you’ll be okay no matter what happens. Trust that your higher power has a plan for you, even if you can’t see it right now.
Techniques for Meditation and Surrender
Meditation is a powerful tool to help you connect with your higher power and practice surrendering. Here are some simple techniques to try:
Breathing Meditation – Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Focus on your breathing—in and out, slowly and deeply. As you breathe, imagine that you are letting go of all your worries, fears, and doubts. With each breath, surrender a little more to your higher power.
Guided Meditation – Sometimes, listening to a guided meditation that focuses on surrender is helpful. These meditations often include calming music, gentle instructions, and positive affirmations. You can find guided meditations on Calm, Headspace, or YouTube apps.
Gratitude Meditation – Surrendering can also mean being grateful for the things you can’t control. Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on what you’re thankful for. This can help shift your mindset from control to gratitude, making surrendering easier.
Prayers of Surrender
Praying is another powerful way to surrender your will to a higher power. Here are a few simple prayers of surrender you can use:
The Serenity Prayer
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
This prayer reminds us that surrendering doesn’t mean giving up; it means focusing on what we can change and letting go of what we can’t.
The Third Step Prayer
“God, I offer myself to Thee—to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.”
This prayer is about asking for help in letting go and trusting in a higher power’s plan.
A Simple Prayer of Surrender
“Higher Power, I surrender my will and my life to You. Guide, love, and help me trust in Your plan for me.”
This prayer is straightforward and can be said anytime you need to let go and trust.
Keep Coming Back
Surrendering is not something you do once and then forget about. It’s a daily practice. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep coming back to it. Keep reminding yourself that you are not alone and that you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
Final Thoughts
Letting go and surrendering to a higher power isn’t about weakness but finding strength in something bigger than yourself. It’s about learning to trust the process, even when it feels hard. Remember, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Reach out, let go, and let your higher power guide you. You can find peace and a better way forward one day at a time.
Keep going, and don’t give up. Your higher power has your back—you must let go and trust.
