The Surrender Prayer FAQ's

About the Surrender Novena Itself

1. What is the Surrender Novena?

 It’s a 9-day prayer given by Jesus to Servant of God Don Dolindo Ruotolo, encouraging trust in divine providence by meditating on the words of Jesus and repeating the surrender prayer: “O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything.”

2. Where did the Surrender Novena come from?
It originated through private revelation to Don Dolindo Ruotolo in the early 20th century and was later promoted by others, including influencer CurlyNikki and Jonathan Roumie, star of The Chosen. It has a prominent place on the Hallow app.

3. What does the word “novena” mean?
A novena is a nine-day period of prayer, a spiritual tradition rooted in Scripture and Catholic practice. It represents perseverance, modeled after the nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost.

4. Do I have to be Catholic to pray the Surrender Novena?

No. The prayer is for anyone who wants to grow in trust and let go of worry and anxiety. Many non-Catholics, including those in recovery or navigating personal crises, have found peace through it.

5. What’s the difference between surrender and giving up?

Surrender is not passivity or quitting — it’s active trust. It means turning over control to God while still showing up and taking wise, faithful action.

6. Can I pray all nine days in one sitting?

Yes. Some people, like Abraham Gonzalez, have prayed the full novena in one sitting during a crisis.

7. Can I repeat the novena multiple times?

Absolutely. Many people make it a regular rhythm — monthly, seasonally, or continuously. Some pray it every day and start over at Day 1 once they complete Day 9.

8. What should I do if I miss a day?

Just pick up where you left off. Surrender isn’t about perfection — it’s about persistence.

9. Is there a best time of day to pray it?

You can pray it whenever fits your life. Some pray in the morning and evening. Others fit it into commutes, quiet moments, or as part of their bedtime routine.

10. How long does each day take?

Usually 5 – 10 minutes, depending on how long you spend reflecting or repeating the prayer phrase.
About Emotions, Anxiety, and Mental Health

11. What if I still feel anxious after praying the novena?

That’s normal. Surrender is often a slow transformation. Peace may arrive quietly, over time. Keep praying.

12. Why does surrender help with anxiety and stress?

Surrender invites you to stop trying to control what you cannot — and anchor your trust in Someone who can. This shift reduces stress, aligns your thoughts, and creates room for peace.

13. What if I feel nothing while praying?

Spiritual dryness happens. Keep going. Faith is not a feeling — it’s a choice to keep showing up. You can surrender even your lack of emotion.

14. What if I’ve tried surrendering, but things just keep getting worse?

Even the saints experienced long seasons of struggle. Surrender doesn’t guarantee immediate results — it transforms how you carry the burden and who you let carry it with you.

15. How do I handle setbacks if my fear comes back after the novena?

Return to the prayer. That’s the beauty of surrender — it’s not a one-time event. It’s a posture you can return to again and again. The goal is to live in surrender just as you would any lifestyle.

Discernment, Doubt, and Trust 

16. How do I know when to act and when to let go?

Ask: Is this action rooted in love and wisdom — or fear and control? Do the next right thing, and surrender the outcome. For example, let’s say you’re waiting to hear back from a job interview. Anxiety creeps in, and you feel the urge to follow up prematurely. Instead, you pause and ask yourself where that urge is coming from. Rather than emailing out of fear, you choose a wise next step — updating your resume or applying to another job — and then you pray, “O Jesus, I surrender this job search to You. Take care of everything.” You acted. But you didn’t grasp. That’s surrender in motion.

17. What if I doubt God is really taking care of everything?

Doubt doesn’t disqualify surrender. Pray, like the father in Mark 9:24, “I believe; help my unbelief.”

18. Why do I struggle to trust?

Trust takes time, especially if you've been hurt or disappointed. Start small. Ask God to help you trust. He’ll meet you there.
Scripture and Theology

19. Is this type of prayer biblical?

Yes. Scripture repeatedly urges trust over fear. (Matthew 6, Psalm 46, 1 Peter 5:7). Surrender is woven through stories from David, Mary, Hannah, Job, and the disciples in the storm.

20. What version of the Bible is used in the book?

The New International Version (NIV) is used throughout.

Practicalities and Habits

21. How can I remember to keep surrendering during daily life?

Set a phone reminder. Write the prayer on a note. Use a prayer app. Whisper it before meetings, during traffic, or while folding laundry.

22. What tools or practices help deepen surrender?
• Journaling about what you’re surrendering
• Pairing the novena with scripture
• Praying prostrate or on your knees
• Reflecting with others in community
• Saying the prayer aloud when worry strikes

23. How do I explain this to friends or family who don’t understand it?

Share your personal experience. You don’t need to convince — just bear witness. The peace you live will speak louder than anything you say.

Surrender Across Cultures and Denominations

24. Does surrender look the same in every culture?

No. In some places it’s silent reverence. In others, it's dancing, fasting, or communal lament. The expression varies — but the heart is the same: “Not my will, but Yours.”

25. Is this practice supported across Christian denominations?

While the Surrender Novena has Catholic origins, the message of surrender is rooted in Christ and resonates with believers from many backgrounds.

Purpose, Mission, and Legacy

26. What if I feel called to share the novena with others?

That’s the Spirit prompting you! Share a copy. Start a group. Offer to sponsor books in hospitals, shelters, prisons, or recovery communities. Visit TheSurrenderMovement.com.

27. How does sharing the novena help me grow?

There is a Latin proverb: Docendo discimus — By teaching, we learn. Sharing the surrender message helps reinforce it in your own life and reminds you again: You are not alone. You are not forgotten. He will take care of everything.


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