Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6
“Pray always in readiness to surrender, and you will receive from it great peace and great rewards, even when I confer on you the grace of immolation, of repentance, and of love. Then what does suffering matter? It seems impossible to you? Close your eyes and say with all your soul, “Jesus, you take care of it.” Do not be afraid, I will take care of things and you will bless my name by humbling yourself. A thousand prayers cannot equal one single act of surrender, remember this well. There is no novena more effective than this.
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!”
Day 9 of 9 of The Surrender Novena by Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970).
What a journey! Nine days.
I’ve learned a new centering prayer that fills me with great peace and great rewards: “O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!” I hope it has been a blessing to you.
It’s taught me that the way of humility is the way of peace, the way of surrender is the way of reward. Twice it took me to the peacefulness of fly fishing. That’s ironic as it was a fly fishing friend who recommended the Novena.
What next? Rest then ready yourself. For what? Ash Wednesday and Lent are fast approaching this week.
If you have not read my free devotional, Lent Companion, download it here from the GTP website. It will guide you through the 40 fasting days and 7 feast days leading up to Easter. It’s a time for growing in fasting, praying, and giving.
For now, simply surrender and know that your most generous days will be ahead of you.
How do I know this? The “great peace and great rewards” you receive through surrender are not just for you to enjoy. You get to share them widely and freely.
O Jesus, we surrender ourselves to you, take care of everything!