Before the Meetings Begin

Start by noticing who Jesus is — the one who speaks with authority yet listens with perfect attention. As you settle in, you might pray something like: Jesus, you are the God who knows every word before it leaves my lips. You see into hearts. You bring wisdom where there is confusion and peace where there is tension. The psalmist reminds us, "The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6, ESV). Sit with that for a moment. The meetings ahead — they're not beyond his reach. He's not anxious about your schedule. Take time to tell Jesus what draws you to trust him, even in the busy parts of your day.

Now bring the weight you carry. You might feel pressure to perform, to say the right thing, to control outcomes. You might worry about how others perceive you, or fear that you'll mishandle a difficult conversation. That's human, and Jesus already knows it. As it says in 1 Peter 5:7, you can cast your anxieties on him, "because he cares for you" (ESV). There's no shame in admitting where you're uncertain or where pride creeps in. Talk to Jesus honestly about the meetings ahead — where you feel unprepared, where you're tempted to take credit, where you've already scripted conversations instead of staying open. He's not keeping score. He's already made a way.

Pause and name what you're grateful for. Maybe it's the people who will be in those meetings — their perspectives, their humor, their trust in you. Maybe it's the opportunity itself, even if it feels overwhelming. Maybe it's simply that you woke up this morning. Paul wrote, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV). You don't have to be thankful for stress, but you can thank Jesus for walking through it with you. What's one thing about today — or about him — that steadies you?

Now ask. Tell Jesus what you actually need. Do you need clarity in a decision? Courage to speak up? The ability to listen well instead of just waiting for your turn? Maybe you need humility, or patience with someone difficult, or freedom from comparing yourself to others in the room. You might pray: Jesus, help me show up as myself today — not smaller, not inflated, just present and willing. Give me ears to hear what others really need, not just what they're saying. Help me speak truth in love, and know when to be quiet. Bring calm to my nervous system. Let my words be few and good. End by asking Jesus to go with you — not just into the meetings, but into how you'll treat people afterward, how you'll process what happened, how you'll rest tonight. He promises in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (ESV). Lean on that.