Reflection - Renewing in Prayer

by Rev. Catherine Solomon, Presbytery Minister, South Moreton Presbytery

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

Several years ago, I found myself carrying a heavy burden about a difficult church situation. I spent hours thinking about it, replaying conversations in my head, imagining every possible outcome and consequence, and worrying about what might happen next. Although I was praying intently, I realised that much of my “prayer” was simply presenting the problem to God and then continuing to carry it myself.

One morning during my devotional time, I felt prompted to stop asking God to change the situation and instead ask for my own transformation. As I sat quietly, a question emerged: What if God is more interested in shaping my heart than solving this problem?

Nothing about the situation changed immediately. The people involved were still the same. The challenges remained. Yet over the following weeks, something in me shifted. Prayer softened my anxiety. It challenged my assumptions. It exposed my fears I had not recognised. It helped me see others with greater compassion and trust more deeply in God’s presence amid uncertainty. This meant I was able to surrender to God’s mercy and leading, bringing me to peace, hope and joy.

Prayer is not simply giving me strength to endure, but it is a gift for where the Holy Spirit renews minds so that we as the church can love and serve more faithfully. Through prayer, the Spirit transforms how we think, how we see God, ourselves and others, and how we discern what is life-giving and what is not.

In recent years, I have been reminded how easily fear can influence our decisions, how a sense of entitlement can crowd out humility, and self-assurance and arrogance can overshadow vulnerability and honesty. Yet Paul’s words in Romans 12 invite us into a different way of living and leading.

As we surrender ourselves to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, our minds and hearts are transformed. We become people who serve with humility, lead with courage, and remain open to God's guidance. In that posture, we recognise that true leadership begins with kneeling before the God who knows, loves, and accompanies us every step of the way.

This week, perhaps the most important prayer is not, “God, fix this situation,” but “God, renew me.”