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walking and running. I sat alone in a waiting room breathing in and out, my heart still in His presence, absorbing His strength, once again held by his arms. When my youngest son was walking in inner pain and rebellion, I relinquished my sorrow and fear for his future to my God who had created him and had a plan for his life. Although it was almost a daily exercise, God worked to free me from guilt and anxiety, and gave me life-giving prayers that gave me peace and eyes to see His work in my son's life. He gave me patience, hope and endurance, even when I was weak... <strong>The</strong> <strong>Prayer</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Relinquishment</strong> is so much more, however, than just a sense <strong>of</strong> faith and hope and peace. It is saying to God, "I freely give you my self-will, what I think I need, and open my heart and mind to willingly receive what you know is best for Your purposes." As Catherine Marshall stated, "I'm tired <strong>of</strong> asking (for healing)...I'm beaten, finished. God, You decide what You want for me. . . . Gradually, I saw that a demanding spirit, with self-will as its rudder, blocks prayer. . . God absolutely refuses to violate our free will; that, therefore, unless self-will is voluntarily given up, even God cannot move to answer prayer." Adventures in <strong>Prayer</strong> Some may ask if this <strong>Relinquishment</strong> is just a lack <strong>of</strong> faith, a resignation <strong>of</strong> hopelessness? Or is it the essence <strong>of</strong> a heart and mind that says to God, "with you I can face my fear, my trepidation about this road I'm on, and believe in Your love, grace, mercy, power, and plan that will accomplish more than I can ever comprehend.” Dear Father . . . all things are possible to you. Let me not have to drink this cup! Yet it is not what I want but what you want. - Luke 22:42 Page 17 <strong>of</strong> 37