We confess our longing to be the smartest person in the room.
Reveal to us the true fear hiding beneath the surface.
We are afraid of not having the answer.
We are afraid of looking like a fool.
We are afraid that perhaps they were right and we aren’t cut out for this after all.
We are afraid of being a beginner.
As we fall from the crumbling wall of our own reputation, status, and ability, we trust You are the solid ground beneath our tired feet.
As we face those who have doubted us the most, remind us how You stand in front of us, behind us, beside us, and within us.
When we look for courage elsewhere, remind us to turn to You instead.
You have all the gumption and moxie we could possibly need.
We accept our smallness in Your presence.
Replace our shame with laughter and our doubt with love.
Teach us to begin again with joy.
If your world feels scarce today, I’m sharing a story at (in)courage that might help: How to Pour Coffee Like a Believer.
Elizabeth says
January 11, 2016 at 10:51 AMBeautiful prayer. Just what my heart needed this morning. As I take a do-over start to the new year this Monday, God has been gracious in showing me exactly what I need to hear. Thanks, Emily, for being faithful to hear His voice and share!
Jenny says
January 11, 2016 at 11:12 AMWhat a beautiful prayer! I was logging onto blogger to begin some work and caught the first lines in my feed and just from the first lines, the peace of this prayer soaked right into my soul. Thank you for sharing this, and amen. How beautiful and how perfect our smallness is in His presence, and what a gift always to begin again with the joy of a child.
Laurie says
January 11, 2016 at 11:34 AMOh my…my eyes have leaked for the last twenty-four hours as I tried to ignore these very feelings and I think that those gentle tears were a pressure release for a heart bursting with fears. Now…big gulping bursts hot and relieving. I’m a mess today, stepping into new roles and ministries…but I feel better now. Emily, thanks for putting it into words.
Christine says
January 11, 2016 at 12:24 PMThank you ! Just what I needed to read today. I begin this week to work in pastoral ministry with persons with disabilities… and I need a reminded that I don’t work for me but for Him…
warria ricks says
January 11, 2016 at 12:30 PMThank you. That’s what I needed today. My heart is so heavy. At this moment, I don’t know whether to cry or scream. This prayer is what I needed to read today. Thank you.
Teresa L Hardymon says
January 11, 2016 at 8:16 PMThank you, Emily, for your beautiful prayers. This is the second time today I’ve come across the reminder that he is the solid ground beneath our feet. I’m thinking I need to focus on that. Some things have been scary shaky lately, but if he’s my solid ground, then I don’t need to worry.
Zainab says
January 12, 2016 at 4:09 AMEmily,
I can only say; you are a treasure.
Every time I read you, I am inspired to write posts! Your words give me words.
Ann V. says
January 12, 2016 at 10:26 AMSo dang good!!
Laura says
January 12, 2016 at 5:31 PMYes! Thank you so much for sharing this, Emily. I just launched my website/blog two days ago, and I took my first harp lesson today (wild, I know), so this is absolutely perfect for me right now.
<3
Grace Cho says
January 12, 2016 at 10:01 PMI love that word- gumption <3
k says
January 13, 2016 at 11:10 AMThank you. Just as I started something just for me, I am feeling my child’s life is not where it should be with God. I have to keep remembering that God is bigger. That we are always in the “beginner” class when it comes to faith and holiness. But He is right there, being our rock and guide.
Beth williams says
January 13, 2016 at 5:19 PMEmily,
This prayer is a treasure for my heart! My world was turned topsy turvy last weekend. I had hoped and prayed that 2016 would be a better year than the last two. I wanted to begin with some joy and happiness in my life! God had other plans. I could sure use some laughter and happiness in my life now!
Blessings 🙂
Rachel says
January 16, 2016 at 12:34 AMSooooooo good! “You have all the gumption and moxie we could possibly need.” Love this post! It’s like you’re in my head when I’m in a meeting in the conference room at my work! 😉
Angela Bell says
February 8, 2016 at 2:17 PMWell, this just cut straight through my Good Girl, I’m Fine, I-Can-Do-This-All-By-My-Smarty-Pants-Self Mask! *sigh* I’m entering a stage of my life filled with change and newness and beginning. And it’s all good. But it’s also quite unnerving. Thanks for the reminder that God has all the gumption and moxie I could possibly need!