I love the song playing (at least as of now) here on the ol' blog. It is truth from my own life and really sums up the prayer of my heart these days.
Own Me
Got a stack of books so I could learn how to live.
Many are left half-read, covered by the cobwebs on my shelf.
And I've got a list of laws growing longer everyday,
And if I keep plugging away, maybe one day I'll perfect myself.
Oh, but all of my labor seems to be in vain,
And all of my laws just cause me more pain.
So I fall before you in all of my shame.
Ready and willing to be changed.
Own me. Take all that I am.
And heal me with the blood of the Lamb.
Mold me with your gracious hand.
Break me 'til I'm only yours.
Own me.
Oh you call me daughter, and you take my blame.
And you run to meet me when I cry out your name.
So I fall before you in all of my shame,
Lord, I am willing to be changed.
Own me. Take all that I am.
And heal me with the blood of the Lamb.
Mold me by your gracious hand.
Break me 'til I'm only yours.
Own me.
I've come across some other prayers of surrender in recent days also that echo the cry of my heart:
Charles de Foucald, French missionary (1858-1916):
Father, I abandon myself into Your hands; do with me what You will. Whatever You may do, I thank You: I am ready for all, I accept all. Only let Your will be done in me and in all Your creatures - I wish no more than this, Lord.
Betty Scott, missionary and martyr, early-mid 1900's:
Lord, I give up my own plans and purposes, all my own desires, hopes and ambitions, and I accept Thy will for my life. I give up myself, my life, my all, utterly to Thee, to be Thine forever. I hand over to Thy keeping all of my relationships; all the people whom I love are to take second place in my heart. Fill me now and seal me with Thy Spirit. Work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, for me to live is Christ. Amen.
It seems such a slow process, this one of surrender, because my stubborn will succumbs to the trappings of this world rather than to the Lord's perfect plan. It seems every single second needs to be given over in surrender once again. It is frustrating and painful and, ultimately, the greatest reward.
Heavenly Father, Prince of my peace, Lord of my life and my heart, I surrender all to You. Whatever valleys you lead me through or mountains we may scale, I rest in the knowledge of Your rock-solid faithfulness and love. Whatever You plan for me is better than all I could ask or imagine. I surrender to You my family, my friendships, my finances, my wants, my plans, my thoughts, my words, my soul, mind, and body. They are all Yours to be used in worship to Your glorious name.
