A Prayer to Run to Instead of from God

It’s possible to believe in God and still try to keep distance from Him. Sometimes we don’t call it “running”—we call it independence, freedom, or needing space. But this devotional is honest about what running can look like: changing locations, changing environments, changing relationships, and hoping that if we get far enough away, we won’t feel the conviction, the questions, or the call of God. Yet the message is simple and comforting: God doesn’t stop pursuing His children.

The author shares a personal journey of trying to outrun God, convinced that submission to Him would mean losing pleasure and living under a suffocating list of rules. But the farther she ran, the more she found the opposite of freedom—loneliness, exhaustion, and despair. What looked like control eventually turned into emptiness. That’s often how running works: it offers temporary relief, but it can’t provide lasting peace.

Jonah’s story mirrors this reality. Jonah tried to escape God’s call, but the storm made it clear that disobedience doesn’t lead to calm waters. In Jonah 1:12, he acknowledges that the storm was tied to his choices, and the turning point came when he realized he could not save himself—he needed God’s mercy. The devotional connects that to our own “storms” and low places: moments when we realize we’re in the wrong direction, the wrong patterns, the wrong boat—and we don’t have the strength to fix it alone.

This prayer invites listeners to stop running and start returning. God’s pursuit isn’t harsh; it’s love. Surrender isn’t the end of life—it’s the beginning of healing and safety in the arms of a Father who doesn’t give up. Whether you’re the one running or you’re praying for someone who is, today is a reminder that God can reach hearts, restore what’s broken, and bring prodigals home.

Main Takeaways

• Running from God can look like chasing “freedom,” but it often leads to emptiness and isolation.

• God pursues His children with persistent love, even when we resist Him.

• Jonah’s story reminds us that disobedience brings storms, but surrender leads to mercy.

• True peace is found not in escape, but in returning to God and trusting His care.

• This prayer is also for those carrying burden for wayward loved ones—God can bring them back.

Today’s Bible Verse

“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” - Jonah 1:12 NIV

Your Daily Prayer

Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer:

“If anyone is running from You, … open their hearts and minds to receiving You.”

You can listen to the full prayer here or read the devotional at the links below.

Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content?

• LifeAudio – Discover daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com

• Crosswalk – Explore faith, prayer, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. “Whether we’re helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.