Before the Meetings Begin

Start by remembering who Jesus is — not as a distant idea, but as the One who knows every person you'll meet and every word you'll speak. He is present in the midst of crowds and conversations. As it says in Matthew, "Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20, ESV). That means He's already in your meetings, waiting for you to notice Him there. Take a moment to thank Him for His presence. You might say something like: *Jesus, You are with me in every room. You hear every conversation. You see what matters most.* Let that truth settle into you for a moment. What does it mean to you that He doesn't leave you alone in these meetings?

Be honest now about what you're carrying into your day. Maybe you're anxious about speaking up, or worried you'll say the wrong thing. Perhaps you're tempted to take credit that isn't yours, or to stay silent when you should speak. You don't have to perform or impress in front of Jesus — He already knows your heart. The apostle Paul reminds us, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7, ESV). So bring it. Talk to Jesus about the fear, the frustration, the ways you know you struggle in these spaces. You might pray: *Jesus, I'm nervous about today. I confess that I want to look good, or I'm afraid of failing.* Name what's true. He's not surprised, and He's not disappointed. He's listening.

Even in a busy morning, there's already something to be grateful for. Maybe it's that you have work, or people to collaborate with, or another chance to show up as yourself. Maybe it's simply that you made it to today. Philippians tells us, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, ESV) — and that includes the small graces of an ordinary morning. Think about one thing you're genuinely thankful for as you head into your meetings. It might be a colleague's kindness, a goal you're working toward together, or just the fact that Jesus has given you another day. Tell Him: *Jesus, thank You for...* Let gratitude ground you before the rush begins.

Now ask Jesus for what you actually need. Don't minimize it — He cares about the practical things. Ask for clarity in conversations, for patience, for the right words at the right time. Ask for wisdom to listen well and speak truthfully. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV). You might pray: *Jesus, help me listen more than I speak. Give me courage to say what's true. Help me see the people in these meetings the way You see them. Guide my words and my heart.* Ask Him to help you represent Him well — not perfectly, but genuinely. And ask Him to calm your mind so you can think clearly and be present with the people around you.