A neighbor asked me to pray for her upcoming job interview. Not only was she nervous about the interview, but she also wasn’t sure of the location. She was afraid of getting lost. I can relate to both fears.
I prayed with her and promised to be praying on the interview day. I also shared a quick prayer that she found helpful. Whenever I go somewhere new, and I’m feeling uncertain, I pray, “Lord, help me feel welcomed, accepted, and loved.” That prayer helps me so much.
For those of us who feel unsettled going somewhere new, and meeting with people we’ve never met, there are reasons we feel this way. Often, these concerns are rooted in our past. Part of my walk with the Lord includes prayer ministry to help me overcome these old issues that pop up in my life today.
It’s interesting that those fears don’t bother me if I’m out of town or in another country, where it’s normal to feel lost or unsettled. I feel at my best in those situations. I don’t feel like my quirkiness matters there because I’m a stranger.
Where I struggle is at home. If I go to a new location with people I don’t know, but I’m in my own city or region, I feel exposed and vulnerable. My quirkiness makes me stick out like a sore thumb, or so I feel. It’s harder to hide from that kind of awkwardness in your own backyard.
So, I’ve learned to pray ahead of time to feel welcomed, accepted, and loved.
Notice, that quick prayer says nothing about whether or not I get lost on the way there. It doesn’t address being awkward. Nor does it have any bearing on how people will act in the place where I’m going. The prayer doesn’t ask for them to welcome, accept, or love me. Instead, the prayer has to do with how I will feel: welcomed, accepted, loved.
Why does this prayer help so much? It puts the whole situation in God’s hands. I’m asking God to guard my heart. I’m asking for God’s help in the uncertainty I’m facing.
The prayer also prepares my heart to feel welcomed, accepted, and loved. It opens up my heart to any areas where I might be blocking those good outcomes because of lies I’ve believed.
Maybe I had a bad experience in my youth, when I didn’t feel welcomed, accepted, or loved. This prayer helps me move past the expectation of that happening again. I’m choosing to expect a different outcome this time.
The prayer also reminds me that God already welcomes me, accepts me, and loves me, no matter what happens at this new event and with these new people.
Consider what a revelation that is. Realizing the king of kings welcomes, accepts, and loves you is a pretty big deal. It’s freeing. It helps you leave those fears in the rear view mirror on your way to the place you’ll be visiting.
Think about it this way. Let’s say you’re going to a place you’ve never been, with people you don’t know. But you know for sure that when you arrive, the king, who already loves you, will be standing at the door. He will smile when you walk up, bring you in, introduce you with joy, and make it clear He adores you. That would be a great event, right?
That prayer is a good reminder that no matter what new situation you encounter, the king of kings will be with you every step of the way. If you’re willing to trust Him, you’ll be amazed at the connections He makes for you at that event.
When I pray this prayer on my way to a new place with people I don’t know, I’m putting my faith above fear. I’m expecting a God-sized outcome. And I’m resting in the assurance that no matter what, God Himself already welcomes, accepts, and loves me. With that assurance, I’m choosing to be at peace.
That prayer helps me every time. It helped the person I shared it with. Give it a try. Let God lead you in your prayer. See how much freedom and trust you feel with Him. You’ll become aware of His peace and assurance in the circumstance you’re facing. I’m praying for you to feel welcomed, accepted, and loved by God everywhere you go.
Adventures with God 