As you begin your preparation, pause for a moment. Take several deep breaths and allow yourself to grow still. Be aware of God's loving presence within you.

Luke 11:9

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Prayer is risky business. We bring our whole self before God, even those parts that we'd prefer remain hidden. Though we know in our minds that God loves us as we are, we may still be hesitant to open ourselves to God's grace. Jesus' teaching about prayer reminds us that there is nothing that we cannot bring before God. And there is nothing about us that could ever prevent God from wanting to be with us. Jesus tells us, as he told his disciples, that when we ask, seek, and knock, God will respond. There is no risk involved in approaching God, for we already have the promise of God's abiding presence.

How challenging is it for me to bring my whole self to God in prayer?

What do I seek from God today?

(Speak to God, using the words of this prayer or a prayer of your own.)

Loving God, I bring my whole self before you, trusting in your deep care for me. Help me to grow in my understanding that nothing is off-limits with you and that you are always there for me.