Session One

The Invitation to Surrender

Theme Scripture

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans 12:1–2 (KJV)

Central Truth

Every journey with Christ begins by receiving mercy and entrusting ourselves to Jesus. Surrender grows from grace; it does not earn it.

Read Along

Romans 12 begins with mercy. Before Paul asks us to present our lives to God, he points us toward what God has already done. Surrender is not a way to earn God’s love. It is our response to love and mercy that have already been given.

A living sacrifice is not one emotional moment. It is the daily choice to place our plans, fears, relationships, habits, bodies, and futures before God. We can come honestly, even when we do not yet know how everything will change.

God transforms us from within through the renewing of our minds. As His truth begins replacing fear, shame, pride, and the need for control, we become more able to recognize what is good and faithfully take the next step He places before us.

Our surrender also reaches beyond us. The people who share life with us learn something about following Jesus by watching us return to Him, receive correction, ask forgiveness, and keep growing.

Where Surrender Begins

Mercy Before Surrender

You do not need to have attended another retreat, read another resource, or understand every Christian word to begin. Trust begins before the whole road is visible. Relationship comes before spiritual growth. Grace comes before effort.

Christian faith begins with Jesus Christ, not with self improvement or a spiritual experience. Every person has sinned and needs God’s mercy (Romans 3:23). Because God loves us, He sent Jesus Christ, His only Son (John 3:16–17). Jesus lived a blameless life without sin (Hebrews 4:15), died on the cross for all our sins, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). On the cross, He stood in our place and bridged the separation our sin created. Jesus alone provides the way to the Father (John 14:6). Salvation is received by grace through faith, not earned by religious work.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Room to Listen and Consider

Nothing is assumed about your background. You are welcome to listen, ask questions, and consider what you hear throughout the weekend. Near the end of the retreat, you will be given time to respond honestly to Christ if you choose.

No one needs to imitate another person’s response or make a decision before understanding what is being offered.

Listen For

The mercy of God comes before the invitation to surrender.
Surrender is trust, not defeat.
God desires every part of us, not a polished religious performance.
A renewed mind changes the way we see God, ourselves, and the path ahead.
Purpose grows from relationship with Christ.

Guided Notes

What stood out to me from the Scripture or teaching?

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What did I hear about God’s mercy?

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What might surrender look like in my life right now?

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Personal Reflection

What brought me to this experience?

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What part of my life have I been trying to carry, control, repair, or understand on my own?

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What am I afraid might happen if I place this in God’s hands?

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Where have I already seen God’s mercy in my story?

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Am I willing to trust Jesus with today? What would that willingness look like?

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Group Conversation

What does surrender mean to you?
Why can surrender feel frightening?
How is surrender different from giving up?
What helps you remember that God’s invitation begins with mercy?

Prayer Response

Dear Jesus, thank You for meeting me with mercy. I do not have to clean myself up before I come to You. Show me what I have been carrying without You. Give me the courage to place it in Your hands one honest step at a time. Renew my mind and teach me to trust Your heart. In Your holy name I pray, amen.

My Next Faithful Step

Today, I am willing to place this in God’s hands:

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Carry It Home

Each morning this week, open your hands before God and pray: “Dear Jesus, this day belongs to You. Show me what is mine to do and what belongs in Your hands. In Your holy name I pray, amen.”

Session Notes

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