Spiritual Practice

Many who have gone before you followed the Beloved’s Voice, the unknown saints of all generations. They surrendered themselves into the Beloved’s hands, and walked with confidence. They were guided through difficult times, keeping to Love’s way, and trusting Love’s promises. – Psalm 99:6-7 (as written by Nan Merrill, Psalms for Praying) 

The words “surrender” and “confidence” don’t often appear in the same sentence. We tend to associate surrender with defeat and confidence with ease—and defeat is rarely easy.  

But the late Quaker writer Nan C. Merrill suggests that things work differently when we’re living in God.  

When we think of surrender as opening to a compassionate and merciful Presence, she says, we can walk with assurance, knowing that Spirit has our back and Love is in charge. When we step back from our myopic perspective and take in the long view, we remember that we are not alone.   

And, as with most spiritual truths, we experience this grace by practicing it. So here’s an exercise to try the next time you’re in a panic about a personal problem or in despair about the state of the world: 

First, be still. Do some mindful breathing, say a short prayer, or whatever else quiets the monkey mind and allows your heart to soften and open.  

Second, name the situation or feeling that’s got you going. Get some clarity about what it is, what it’s not, and where it’s coming from.  

Third, as much as you can, release this situation into God’s hands. You can always take all or part of it back, but for now let go of your efforts to control it.  

Then, take a walk in confidence and gratitude. Repeat as needed.  

Prayer
For time-tested practices that ground us in your goodness, we give thanks.

About the Author
Vicki Kemper is the Pastor of First Congregational, UCC, of Amherst, Massachusetts.