Craig Groeschel

Feed your spirit; starve your flesh.

Surrender isn't a one-time event; it's daily.

God uses our brokenness for His glory.

Stop praying safe; start praying dangerous.

Honesty in prayer leads to transformation.

Vulnerability with God brings true freedom.

Small acts of faith lead to big changes.

Let go of comfort to embrace God's call.

Say 'yes' to God before knowing the question.

Safe Prayers Limit Growth; Dangerous Prayers Propel Transformation

Craig Groeschel emphasizes that praying safe, predictable prayers keeps us spiritually stagnant. It's when we dare to pray dangerous prayers that we open ourselves to significant growth and change. For example, instead of simply asking for blessings or protection, we should pray as David did: "Search me, God, and know my heart" (Psalm 139:23). Groeschel asserts, "Safe, lukewarm prayers don’t draw us closer to God or help us reveal His love to this world." By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing vulnerability in prayer, we allow God to work deeply within us, transforming our hearts and lives.

Honest Vulnerability in Prayer Leads to Transformation

Being honest and vulnerable in our prayers invites God to bring about true transformation in our lives. Groeschel shares his own experience of praying "Search me, God," which led him to confront his own hypocrisy and need for change. He explains that "prayers are inherently dangerous" because they challenge us to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves. By asking God to reveal our hidden flaws and fears, we can begin the process of healing and growth. "Instead of simply asking God to do something for you, ask God to reveal something in you," he advises.

Our Deepest Struggles Can Become Our Greatest Gifts

The book illustrates how our most profound struggles can lead us to a deeper dependence on Christ, turning them into our greatest gifts. Groeschel recounts his daughter Mandy's journey with chronic conditions, highlighting her realization that "Your deepest need becomes a gift when it moves you to depend on Christ." Through embracing her hardships, Mandy developed a stronger faith and reliance on God. Groeschel reminds readers, "Wherever you are weak, his strength is there." By reframing our challenges as opportunities to grow closer to God, we can find purpose and strength in our difficulties.

Fear Reveals Where We Trust God the Least

Groeschel points out that our fears can highlight areas where our faith is lacking. He states, "What we fear the most often reveals where we trust God the least." By identifying and confronting our fears—whether they relate to failure, relationships, or health—we open the door to deeper trust in God. In his own life, Groeschel recognized that his fear of failure was rooted in a lack of trust in God's plan. By surrendering these fears to God, we allow Him to replace our anxiety with faith, strengthening our reliance on Him.

Embracing Brokenness Leads to Deeper Connection

The author discusses how embracing brokenness can lead to a deeper connection with God and others. Through personal stories of loss and vulnerability, such as the death of his friend Jason, Groeschel learned that "It’s easy to impress people with our strengths, but real connections are forged through our shared weaknesses." By acknowledging our brokenness, we allow God to work through us and build authentic relationships. This daily surrender helps us grow spiritually and fosters genuine community with those around us.

Surrender and Availability Open Us to God's Purpose

Surrendering to God and making ourselves available for His use positions us to fulfill His purpose. Groeschel highlights Isaiah's willing response to God's call: "Here I am. Send me!" He explains that this kind of prayer "requires great faith. It’s risky because it will almost always move you to action." By adopting an attitude of unconditional availability—"My answer is yes. Now what’s the question?"—we trust God’s direction without needing all the details, allowing Him to use us in powerful ways.

Daily Acts of Faith Transform Passivity into Purpose

Incorporating daily acts of faith shifts us from passive existence to purposeful living. Groeschel challenges readers to perform at least one faith-filled act each day, sharing how this practice "changed the way I lived." Examples include encouraging someone, helping those in need, or stepping out in generosity. By actively seeking ways to live out our faith, we grow closer to God and make a tangible impact on others. "Every day, no matter what, at least one faith-filled act," he encourages, transforming daily routines into opportunities for spiritual growth.

Pray Bold and Specific Prayers of Surrender

Move beyond vague or safe prayers. Specifically ask God to search your heart, reveal your fears, and uncover any offensive ways within you. This openness allows God to work deeply in your life.

Confront and Name Your Fears

Identify the areas where fear holds you back and acknowledge them before God. By naming your fears, you can begin to surrender them and build greater trust in God's plan.

Embrace Brokenness as a Path to Growth

Don't shy away from moments of brokenness. Instead, view them as opportunities to deepen your relationship with God and others, allowing vulnerability to lead to authentic connections.

Offer Daily Surrender and Availability to God

Each day, consciously dedicate your thoughts, actions, and body to God's service. Pray with an open heart, saying, "Here I am, Lord. Send me," and be prepared to act on His guidance.

Incorporate One Faith-Filled Act into Each Day

Intentionally perform at least one act of faith daily, whether big or small. This practice builds spiritual discipline and transforms your routine into a journey of purposeful living.

Dangerous prayers move us beyond our comfort zones.

What we fear reveals where we trust God the least.

Safe prayers don't draw us closer to God.

Your deepest need becomes a gift when it leads to dependence on Christ.

True change requires facing offensive truth.

Until we see ourselves as sinners, we'll never fully understand Jesus as the Savior.

Faith doesn't mean no fear; it means not letting fear stop us.

Brokenness is where real growth begins.

God, break me so I can be remade.

Here I am, God. Send me.

Prayers are inherently dangerous.

'If Satan’s primary weapon is lies, then our greatest counter-weapon is the truth of God’s Word.'

'A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.'

'Remove the lies; replace them with truth.'

"You condition your brain to reinforce what you already believe."

"The problem is not the behavior; it’s the neural pathway that leads to the behavior."

'You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you frame it.'

'Sometimes we need to thank God for what he didn’t do.'

'If you look for what’s bad, you will find the bad... If you look for God’s goodness, you will see it.'

'If it’s big enough to worry about, then it’s big enough to pray about.'

'Your circumstances may be bad, but your God is still good.'

'Prayer works. Prayer changes things. Perhaps more important, prayer changes you.'

'A change of perspective leads us to praise God. And praising God changes our perspective.'

'Praising God changes our brains.'

'Don’t just look at what’s wrong; look at what’s right.'

The battle for your life is won or lost in your mind.

If Satan’s primary weapon is lies, then our greatest counter-weapon is the truth of God’s Word.

Remove the lies; replace them with truth.

What consumes our minds controls our lives.

"Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts."

"A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true."

"You cannot change what you do not confront."

Rewiring Your Brain with Truth

Groeschel highlights the power of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself based on repeated thoughts and behaviors. He likens negative thought patterns to ruts in a muddy road or well-worn paths created by a dog running in circles. These mental ruts make it easier for us to default to unhealthy thinking patterns over time. However, just as Jesus countered Satan’s temptations with scripture in Matthew 4, we can replace these destructive pathways with new ones grounded in God’s Word.

Reframing Your Perspective

Craig Groeschel introduces the concept of 'cognitive reframing,' a mental shift that allows us to reinterpret our circumstances through a more productive lens. He argues that while we cannot dictate what happens to us, we can choose how we perceive and respond to it.

Prayer Changes You

Groeschel explores how prayer not only connects us spiritually but also rewires our brain physically by reducing anxiety and increasing compassion.

Praise Before Provision

Groeschel flips the script on gratitude by emphasizing praising God before receiving answers or solutions.

The Law of Exposure Shapes Your Reality

What you expose your mind to most often will shape your thoughts and ultimately your life trajectory.

Audit Your Thoughts Regularly

Take time daily to identify recurring negative thoughts or lies you believe about yourself; write them down and evaluate their validity against biblical truths or objective evidence.

Replace Lies with Truth Statements

For every lie you uncover, create a corresponding truth statement rooted in Scripture or positive affirmations; repeat these truths daily until they become ingrained beliefs.

Memorizing Scripture for Mental Renewal

Memorizing verses relevant to struggles helps combat negative thoughts effectively when they arise.

Start Each Day With Positive Declarations

Begin each morning by meditating on Scripture or personal declarations before anything else; set a positive tone for the day ahead.

'God Box' Exercise for Worry Management

'Physically write down worries on slips of paper placing them into symbolic box labeled "God" releasing control trusting divine sovereignty.'

You condition your brain to reinforce what you already believe.

The problem is not the behavior; it’s the neural pathway that leads to the behavior.

Instead of living in a rut, you can create a trench of truth that runs deeper.

Write it, think it, confess it until you believe it.

'You are not who others say you are. You are who I say you are.'

'If you believe a lie, it will hold you back from doing what God’s calling you to do.'

'The battle for your life is won or lost in your mind.'

You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you frame it.

Sometimes we need to thank God for what he didn’t do.

If you look for what’s bad, you will find the bad... If you look for God’s goodness, you will see it.

When you've had enough, God is enough.

We get fixated on the presence of our problems and lose our focus on the presence of God.

Prayer works. Prayer changes things. Perhaps more important, prayer changes you.

A change of perspective leads us to praise God. And praising God changes our perspective.

'If you want to change your life, you have to change your thinking.'

'What consumes our minds controls our lives.'

'Write it, think it, confess it until you believe it.'

'You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you frame it.'

'When you’ve had enough, God is enough.'

'We get fixated on the presence of our problems and lose our focus on the presence of God.'

"Instead of living in a rut, you can create a trench of truth that runs deeper."

Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts.

A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.

You cannot change what you do not confront.

You are not who others say you are. You are who I say you are.

If you believe a lie, it will hold you back from doing what God’s calling you to do.

Your Thoughts Shape Your Reality

Craig Groeschel emphasizes that our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. This idea challenges the conventional belief that external circumstances dictate our outcomes. Instead, Groeschel argues that the root of transformation lies in identifying and reshaping thought patterns. He draws from both biblical wisdom and cognitive behavioral therapy to illustrate this point. For example, Philippians 4:8-9 connects thoughts to actions and experiences, while modern psychology reveals how negative thinking fuels anxiety and depression. The key takeaway is that by changing your mental narrative, you can change your life trajectory. Groeschel’s personal story of battling insecurity highlights how deeply ingrained lies can hold us back until we confront them.

The Power of Lies Believed as Truth

Groeschel introduces a striking concept: 'A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.' This paradigm shift underscores how false beliefs—whether about ourselves, others, or God—can imprison us mentally and emotionally. He uses vivid examples like his friend Kevin being 'trapped' in an unlocked closet because he believed it was locked. Similarly, many people live constrained by lies such as 'I’m not good enough' or 'I’ll never change.' These lies become self-fulfilled prophecies unless replaced with truth. The author ties this idea to spiritual warfare, explaining that Satan’s primary weapon is deception designed to keep us from living freely in God’s truth.

'If Satan’s primary weapon is lies, then our greatest counter-weapon is the truth of God’s Word.'

'A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.'

'Remove the lies; replace them with truth.'

"You condition your brain to reinforce what you already believe."

"The problem is not the behavior; it’s the neural pathway that leads to the behavior."

'You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you frame it.'

'Sometimes we need to thank God for what he didn’t do.'

'If you look for what’s bad, you will find the bad... If you look for God’s goodness, you will see it.'

'If it’s big enough to worry about, then it’s big enough to pray about.'

'Your circumstances may be bad, but your God is still good.'

'Prayer works. Prayer changes things. Perhaps more important, prayer changes you.'

'A change of perspective leads us to praise God. And praising God changes our perspective.'

'Praising God changes our brains.'

'Don’t just look at what’s wrong; look at what’s right.'

The battle for your life is won or lost in your mind.

If Satan’s primary weapon is lies, then our greatest counter-weapon is the truth of God’s Word.

Remove the lies; replace them with truth.

What consumes our minds controls our lives.

"Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts."

"A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true."

"You cannot change what you do not confront."

You condition your brain to reinforce what you already believe.

The problem is not the behavior; it’s the neural pathway that leads to the behavior.

Instead of living in a rut, you can create a trench of truth that runs deeper.

Write it, think it, confess it until you believe it.

'You are not who others say you are. You are who I say you are.'

'If you believe a lie, it will hold you back from doing what God’s calling you to do.'

'The battle for your life is won or lost in your mind.'

You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you frame it.

Sometimes we need to thank God for what he didn’t do.

If you look for what’s bad, you will find the bad... If you look for God’s goodness, you will see it.

When you've had enough, God is enough.

We get fixated on the presence of our problems and lose our focus on the presence of God.

Prayer works. Prayer changes things. Perhaps more important, prayer changes you.

A change of perspective leads us to praise God. And praising God changes our perspective.

'If you want to change your life, you have to change your thinking.'

'What consumes our minds controls our lives.'

'Write it, think it, confess it until you believe it.'

'You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you frame it.'

'When you’ve had enough, God is enough.'

'We get fixated on the presence of our problems and lose our focus on the presence of God.'

"Instead of living in a rut, you can create a trench of truth that runs deeper."

Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts.

A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.

You cannot change what you do not confront.

You are not who others say you are. You are who I say you are.

If you believe a lie, it will hold you back from doing what God’s calling you to do.

Feed your spirit; starve your flesh.

Surrender isn't a one-time event; it's daily.

God uses our brokenness for His glory.

Stop praying safe; start praying dangerous.

Honesty in prayer leads to transformation.

Vulnerability with God brings true freedom.

Small acts of faith lead to big changes.

Let go of comfort to embrace God's call.

Say 'yes' to God before knowing the question.

Dangerous prayers move us beyond our comfort zones.

What we fear reveals where we trust God the least.

Safe prayers don't draw us closer to God.

Your deepest need becomes a gift when it leads to dependence on Christ.

True change requires facing offensive truth.

Until we see ourselves as sinners, we'll never fully understand Jesus as the Savior.

Faith doesn't mean no fear; it means not letting fear stop us.

Brokenness is where real growth begins.

God, break me so I can be remade.

Here I am, God. Send me.

Prayers are inherently dangerous.