Benevolent detachment is a phrase and concept that I have been pondering a lot this year. As always, when my heart is pondering something, my outward experiences bring up ways for my inner musings to be to acted upon. There have been a lot of logistics and transitions swirly in my life lately, way more than I would personally prefer. Nonetheless, all of what my life has held this year (and throughout my lifetime) continually brings me back to a place of surrender.
Benevolent detachment can be defined in many ways, but simply put—it’s a way to release something or someone to the Divine, knowing that your care and love are real, but are not the answer.
In our world, we strive to control people, outcomes, situations, and the unknown. We love to be the balm that gives the world peace, but often can come up emotionally entangled in what was never ours to get involved with. We grip what we know so tightly—because releasing it is too scary, too vulnerable, too risky.
What might God be asking you to gently set in His hands today?
So here is my prayer alongside you today—you’re not alone in holding the people and situations that hold weight in your heart, out to the Father. There is always hope to hold, no matter how small it may seem. Our hope is not in anything we can produce or control, but in the slow and steady work of God.
Take a deep breath, dear reader.
You are not alone in this release—you are being tenderly held, as you hold what you deeply care about out to Love.
A Prayer for Benevolent Detachment
Oh God, all I have is Yours.
This person, or situation that is heavy on my heart—is not mine to hold.
You are the Giver of Life and the One from whom all blessings flow.
How is Your story unfolding in glory?
Where is Your grace amidst the pain?
Where is Your hope in the sadness?
Where is Your provision in the unknown?
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Oh God, all I have is Yours.
So, here is my human desire to give this back to You.
It is one of the hardest things I have ever done.
Open my hands, that want to control the outcomes.
Open my heart, that wants to feel protected and secure.
Open my eyes, to see Your overarching story of redemption.
Open my mouth, to speak of Your goodness and love.
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Oh God, all I have is Yours.
Thank You—that You have not left me to journey this earth alone.
May I remember Your steady hand of protection when the way seems unclear.
May I remember Your love embedded into the sinews of my body—and the ones that I love alongside you.
May I remember Your care for the birds of the air—and that You care for me so much more.
May I continually live a life in open surrender, giving I have all to You—every single day.
Amen.
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Beautiful