Trading Perfection for Peace: A Guide to Praying for Freedom from Performance

The negative influence of performance and perfectionism often leads us to seek validation, worth, and value through what we do instead of who Jesus has declared us to be. Countless times, I have witnessed this mindset lead to never-ending cycles of anxiety, striving, fear of man, and fear of failure, as we believe our value comes from our ability to perform rather than live in the purpose our heavenly Father desires for us. Further indicators of performance and perfectionism in our lives are:  

• Fear of Failure—causes us to avoid risks or new challenges because failure feels like a personal shortcoming rather than a learning opportunity. 

• Difficulty receiving Grace or Assistance—causes us to struggle with accepting grace from God and others by enforcing feelings of the need to “earn” love, forgiveness, or approval. 

• Overemphasis on Self-worth and Achievement—causes us to value and place our identity in what we have accomplished, leading to constant striving for success, approval, or recognition. 

• Criticism of Oneself and Other people—causes us to empower our inner critic and hold others to impossible standards. This form of criticism causes self-condemnation and tension in relationships. 

  
  

In Galatians 1:10, the apostle Paul says, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” His words in this verse challenge every negative influence of performance and perfectionism that may be present in our lives. We must focus on Christ and live from our identity in Him instead of the pressure to perform that will leave us feeling empty and exhausted.  

Perfectionism leads to disappointment and discouragement, as we may fail to achieve an unattainable standard. This negative influence can hinder our relationship with God and keep us trapped in a cycle of shame, guilt, and low self-worth. Freedom and emotional healing from performance and perfectionism come when we exchange the weight of this area with God’s grace, acceptance, and affirmation found in Christ.  

Questions to Ask:  

1. What problems does performance/perfectionism cause you? 

   1. What emotions arise when you think about giving up these problems? 

2. Describe any negative thoughts that are influenced by performance/perfectionism. 

   1. What fears do you have that stem from a performance/perfectionist mindset? 

3. When you were a child, what happened when you made a mistake? 

   1. Were you harshly criticized or punished? 

   2. What else do you think led to performance/perfectionism? Do you remember any particular experiences that may have influenced this? 

4. What does performance/perfectionism protect you from? 

   1. What are you afraid will happen if you receive freedom from performance/perfectionism? 

5. How might your life be better if your performance/perfectionism mask were removed and people saw the real you? 

   1. If you could go back in time, what would you say to yourself when you feel scared, worried, and inadequate?  

6. Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by performance/perfectionism?  

   
   

Connected Influences: Comparison, competition, coveting, envy, jealousy, people pleasing, striving, workaholism, fear of man, fear of failure. 

Scriptural Truth: 

“God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:32) 

“We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” (Isaiah 64:6) 

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)  

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) 

“For by that one offering he f

orever made perfect those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:14) 

How to Pray for Breakthrough from Performance and Perfectionism

You may pray aloud, using each step below:

1. REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"

   
   

2. RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."

   1. "Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”

   2. "Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"

      
      

3. REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent of partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”

   1. Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).

      
      

4. RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"

   1. What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)

You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.

Encountering Abba's Heart