Before the Meetings: A Morning Prayer

Begin by simply naming who Jesus is to you this morning. You might acknowledge His steadiness—how He remains calm in the midst of chaos, how nothing surprises Him. The Psalms tell us, "The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as King forever" (Psalm 29:10, ESV). Speak to Him about His wisdom, His peace that surpasses understanding. You might tell Him: *Jesus, You are with me in every room I walk into today. You see what I cannot see, and You are already at work.* Let that truth settle in you for a moment.

Now bring the weight you're carrying into the light. Maybe you're worried about what others will think. Maybe you're feeling unprepared, or you're carrying frustration from a previous conversation. Maybe you're tempted toward self-protection or people-pleasing instead of honesty. Jesus invites you to lay it down—not to earn His favor, but because He already has you. As it says in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). Talk to Him about it simply: *I'm afraid of...* or *I'm carrying...* You don't need the right words. He understands what you cannot yet name.

Before you step into the meetings, pause to notice what He's already done. Thank Him for the people you'll meet with—even the difficult ones are part of His design for your growth. Thank Him for your own voice, your perspective, your presence at the table. Thank Him for the opportunity itself, that you're trusted with this time and these conversations. As Philippians 4:4-6 reminds us, "Rejoice in the Lord always... and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (ESV). You might pray: *Jesus, thank You for the strength You've already woven into me. Thank You for showing up in conversations I haven't even had yet.*

Now ask Him for what you need. Ask for clarity in your thinking and honesty in your words. Ask for wisdom to listen well, not just to be heard. Ask for courage to say what needs saying, and gentleness when it's time to yield. Ask for His peace to remain with you, even if the meetings are difficult or don't go as you hoped. Jesus told His disciples, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV)—and that rest isn't just for later; it's available to you right now, and it can travel with you into every meeting. Speak to Him directly: *I need You to help me..., I'm asking You to give me..., Would You guide me toward...* Trust that He hears, and that His answer is already unfolding.