In a world fraught with anxiety, noise and confusion where we run from one thing to the next, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and burnt out. For moments like these, the Surrender Novena by the mystic and Servant of God Father Dolindo Ruotolo invites us to take a moment and give everything to Jesus. 

Based on private revelations to Father Dolindo in prayer, in the Novena, Jesus speaks to us saying:

Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away on the flowing current of my grace; close your eyes and do not think of the present, turning your thoughts away from the future just as you would from temptation. Repose in me, believing in my goodness, and I promise you by my love that if you say, “You take care of it,” I will take care of it all. (Day 8)

Surrender means not trying to take control or assert oneself over a challenging situation. It does not mean being despondent or passive. Jesus further explains:
Surrender to me does not mean to fret, to be upset, or to lose hope, nor does it mean offering to me a worried prayer asking me to follow you and to change your worry into prayer. It is against this surrender, deeply against it, to worry, to be nervous and to desire to think about the consequences of anything. (Day 2)
True surrender means trusting God with a childlike confidence.

I recall the widow in Luke’s Gospel when thinking about surrender. She gives a single mite to the temple treasury – the least valuable Jewish coin in the ancient world. But, unknown to anyone but Christ, this insignificant coin was everything she had. Although it signifies her entire livelihood, the widow places the coin into the temple treasury, confident that God will provide for her needs. This is true surrender: entrusting everything we have and possess to God, and letting him be Lord over our lives.

In the Surrender Novena, Jesus explains that when we remedy our anxieties ourselves, we are like those who tell the doctor how to heal, or a child who refuses help. Our interference and constant need for control make it difficult for Christ to act and for us to recognize his work in our lives. The key is to allow ourselves to be carried. (Day 3)

On this earthly pilgrimage, we will have anxieties and daily concerns. But they will be transformed if we place them into God’s hands. We will find God doesn’t remove life’s storms, but he enters into them. Our concerns become places of encounter with the One who has first carried them. And we will grow in trust and peace.

Regardless of the situation, Jesus leaves us with this promise: I will prepare you; I will carry you in my arms … I will take care of things, I promise this to you. (Day 5, Day 7)

In this busy season, let’s entrust our concerns, difficulties and anxieties to Jesus, allowing him to take care of everything. When we relinquish control, we will find his presence and peace. 
 

Other ways to practice daily surrender

In addition to praying the Surrender Novena, consider these practical ways to practice surrender in daily life:

•  In difficult moments, repeat, “Jesus, I trust in you.”
•  When worrying about the outcome of a challenging situation, pause and consciously place the concern in God’s hands.
•  Pray daily with a list of your concerns, entrusting them to Jesus. Start with “Jesus, you are Lord over my life.” Continue, with each concern you have: “Jesus, you are Lord over my family. You are Lord over my finances. You are Lord …” 
•  Review your day each night. Thank God for his presence, love and providence, especially in the difficult moments.