The Problem with Just “Praying About It”
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the difference between comfort and surrender when it comes to prayer. There’s a fine line between using prayer as a lifeline and using it like a comfort blanket you clutch while still trying to control everything yourself.
I frequently hear people respond to hardship with “pray about it” or “God will provide.” While these responses are good practice and very true, I’ve also seen how easy it is to use them as just typical Christian lingo. Don’t get me wrong—it’s comforting to pray to God for wisdom, provision, and safety, claiming we’re surrendering to Him. But I think there’s a deeper issue here.
We need to be cautious of falling into the rhythm of prayer without ever really releasing anything to God. We ask Him for strength, clarity, or peace—but then our alarm goes off, we throw back some caffeine, and hustle through our day in our own strength, never pausing to truly trust that He’ll show up.
I’ve seen this firsthand in our own home. We pray every morning—thanking God for another day, asking Him for strength and wisdom in this tough season we’re walking through. But I’ve noticed something: after those prayers, it’s become second nature to immediately lean on energy drinks, adrenaline, and sheer willpower to push through the day. If this sounds like you, I’m not judging—I'm there with you. But here’s what hit me: sometimes, we pray like we trust God, but we live like we don’t.
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
“Prayer is a welcome mat for God to be involved in our affairs.” (Stalnacke)
But if we invite Him in and then keep running the show ourselves, did we really hand it over? This quote is powerful not only because it gives a practical explanation of what our prayers DO, but also shows that there is more to come after we pray.
Prayer without surrender… is just noise.
It may feel comforting in the moment, but it’s not transformational unless we follow it up with obedience and trust.
There is no shame here—this is about freedom. Isaiah 30:15 reminds us: “In quietness and trust is your strength…”
Let’s Make It Real
Here are a few questions and steps to help you move from comfort prayer to trust-filled surrender (see downloadable pdf below for easy application!):
1. What are you praying for but still holding onto?
Is there something you’ve been lifting up to God, but deep down, you’re still trying to manage it on your own? Name it. Write it down.
2. How are you trying to control the outcome?
Are you leaning on your own strength—through hustle, worry, or distraction—to get by? What would it look like to release your grip?
3. Invite God in—and step aside.
Remember:
“Prayer is a welcome mat for God to be involved in our affairs.”
So ask Him to move… and then make space for Him to actually lead. Trust often looks like waiting, resting, or obeying even when it feels uncertain.
4. Take one small act of trust today.
Maybe it’s putting the energy drink down and taking a breath. Maybe it’s pausing before you rush. Maybe it’s saying, “God, I believe You’re enough,” even when you don’t feel it yet. Let action follow your prayer.
Let’s be people who don’t just pray for strength but also walk in it.
Who don’t just ask for peace but expect it.
Who trust that if we leave it at His feet, we don’t need to keep dragging it around ourselves.
Real peace doesn’t come from the prayer—it comes from the God we’re praying to. And He’s strong enough to carry it all.
Always here for you,
Ana:)