Before the Meetings: A Morning Prayer

Begin by noticing who Jesus is—especially as the one who sees what you're about to face. You might start by acknowledging his presence in your day. Jesus, you know every meeting I'll walk into today before I get there. You know the people I'll sit with, the words that need to be said, the decisions that will be made. As the psalmist writes, "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar" (Psalm 139:1-2, NIV). Spend a moment letting that sink in—his knowledge of you and your day is not distant or generic. It's intimate and present.

Jesus, you are wisdom itself. You don't just see the surface of things; you see what matters most. You can untangle complexity. You bring clarity where there is confusion. Take a moment to simply praise him for this—for being the kind of Lord who doesn't leave us to navigate our days alone, but walks into them with us.

Now bring the weight you're carrying into the light. Perhaps you're anxious about how a conversation will go, or you're frustrated with someone you'll see today. Maybe you've already approached a meeting with self-protection instead of openness, or you're carrying resentment that doesn't belong in the room. There's no need to perform confidence you don't have. Jesus invites us to be honest: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NIV). Tell him what's true. Are you more concerned with how you'll look than with what's right? Are you carrying doubt about your own voice or value? Whatever it is, speak it gently to him. He already knows, and he's not surprised or disappointed. He's waiting for you to name it so he can help you set it down.

Before you move into supplication, pause to notice what you're grateful for about the meetings ahead. Maybe it's the people involved—someone whose presence matters, or a conversation you've been hoping to have. Perhaps it's the opportunity itself, or the privilege of work and collaboration. You might thank Jesus for past meetings that went well, for times he's shown up in difficult conversations, or for giving you people you genuinely enjoy being around. As Paul writes, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV). Even in the nervous parts of your day, there's always something to be grateful for—sometimes it's as simple as gratitude that Jesus is with you in it.

Now ask for what you actually need. Ask Jesus to quiet the anxiety so you can listen well. Ask for wisdom in what to say and what not to say. If there's a person you're struggling with, ask him to help you see them the way he does. Ask for courage to speak truth, and humility to receive it. Ask that your meetings would serve what matters—not just accomplish the agenda, but honor the people in the room. You might pray, "Jesus, help me walk in there present, not lost in my own head. Give me ears to hear, not just a voice to be heard." Or simply, "Help me represent you well in these conversations." As Jesus taught us, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24, NIV). Bring your specific needs to him—the ones only you know—and trust that he hears and cares about the details.