Offer It Up: Resources to Help You Along the Way

“Offer it up.”

Oof. We know it’s SO important, but like all good things things in life, offering it up is so much easier said than done. Life can be HARD, and “what’s good in life doesn’t come easy,” or so the old proverb goes. Offering up every aspect of our lives and ourselves up to the Lord requires courage, patience, and above all, surrender.

Lately, we’ve been reflecting on the role of surrender in helping us to live today well. Surrendering, or offering everything up to the Lord, gives the grace and peace that we need to move forward.

And so, as we face this often uphill battle of learning to release all into the loving hands of our heavenly Father, having some tools at our disposal might come in handy.

Below, you’ll find a few of our favorite resources & tools to help all of us learn what it means and looks like to offer everything up to God.

Books:

Searching For & Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe

Small, but mighty. This compact but POWERFUL book by Fr. Jacques Philippe explores the concept of peace in a practical, encouraging way. Whether you’ve read it before or not, we highly recommend picking it up to read through. You’ll want to underline almost every sentence, we promise!

The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Gregory Bottaro

It is no exaggeration to say that this book has played a HUGE role in our lives this summer and fall. In his book, Dr. Bottaro discusses the concept of mindfulness through the lens of Catholicism in an understandable way. Bottaro’s meditations (both in the book and in the free audio files that come with the purchase of the book) have become instrumental in our day to day lives and helped both of us to rest in the peace of God’s presence daily.

Be Brave in the Scared: How I Learned to Trust God During My Most Difficult Days by Mary Lenaburg

If you’re going through a difficult season in your life or struggling to trust in the Lord, this is the book for you. With wisdom and humor, Mary shares how surrendering ALL to God transformed her life. Mary’s story will have you crying and laughing simultaneously and leave you utterly in awe of the power of God. Each chapter ends with reflection questions to help you, too, to trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest by Edward Welch

Edward Welch encourages his readers to take a deeper look at Scripture for words of comfort in the midst of anxiety, fear, and worry. We are indeed able to trust and rest in God’s love for us when we are able to actually hear God’s words and believe them to be true! His book is meant to be read as a series of 30 devotionals that makes it an accessible read in any season of life.

Practicing the Presence of God in Modern English by Brother Lawrence

This translation of a spiritual classic provides sound advice on what it means and looks like to turn one’s attention toward God during any activity. Written over 300 years ago, Brother Lawrence’s words will speak to your soul as you enter into His presence whether while celebrating Mass or doing laundry.. It’s a short but powerful read and it’s a must have on your bookshelf!

The Examen Journal by the Live Today Well Collective

We know, we know, one of our own books, but this journal has honestly helped us to offer up each aspect of our days, both the highs and the lows, to Him. Inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Examen, this journal is a great way to reflect on and end the day with the Lord.

Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality by David Benner

This book covers the important topics of surrender and love. Calling us to not only give our lives to Him, but to live like him-with a heart of compassion and love. Chapter titles like, "It all begins with love," and "Surrender and Obedience," as well as others, guide us in this journey. There is even an epilogue to wrap it up titled, "Surrender and the Spiritual Journey."

God's Voice Within: The Ignatian Way to Discover God's Will by Fr. Mark Thibodeaux

This book, written by a spiritual director, guides readers in the ways to notice and respond to the workings of God in their lives. With an emphasis on how to recognize and trust these movements, the wisdom in this book guides us in the ordinary daily decisions as well as bigger life choices. It provides a wonderful background in to Ignatian Discernment and a deep dive in to what this looks like in our daily lives.

Blog Posts & Podcasts:

Abiding Together’s Podcast Series on Peace (Episode 1 linked here)

In this six part podcast series, Sr. Miriam, Heather Khym, and Michelle Benzinger host a book study & discussion on Searching For & Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Though this series was originally released during Lent, you’ll find their insights meaningful and applicable to your life, regardless of what liturgical season it currently is. Their show notes include related scripture passages for Lectio Divina and discussion questions for you to ponder by yourself or with a friend. HIGHLY recommend.

How to Pray the Litany of Trust by Valerie Keinsley, blog writer for Blessed is She.

Valerie’s blog post suggests 3 concrete, easy ways to pray the Litany of Trust, a gorgeous litany written by the Sisters of Life. Whether you elect to pray the Litany of Trust or another litany, Valerie’s suggestions are excellent and practical.

Songs:

Here are just a few of the songs that resonate with us and remind us to offer all to the Lord.

Lay it Down by Matt Maher

Garden by Matt Maher

The House of God Forever by Jon Foreman

Christ in Me Arise by Trevor Thomson

I Shall Not Want by Audrey Assad

Other Resources:

Novena for the Surrender to the Will of God

The Suscipe Prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Surender Prayer (as featured on The Abiding Together Podcast)

Litany of Trust by the Sisters of Life

I Thirst: 40 Days with Mother Teresa by Joseph Langford

We hope you find this list of resources to be practical and helpful for you in your walk with the Lord! If you have any other suggestions of resources to add to our list, drop us a line or comment below! We’d love to hear your thoughts.

XOXO

The Live Today Well Team

Kara, Mary, and Anna

PSSSST. Looking for some tangible, physical reminders to decorate your house with to remind you to surrender all to God? Check out our new fall line, the Surrender Collection, by clicking HERE.