Background & Introduction
This prayer practice is version of what sometimes gets called a ‘welcoming prayer’. This particular version gives space to notice how we are in relation to three core human needs:
affection and love,
security and wellbeing,
a sense of control and agency.
These are all key parts of our humanity, they are good and necessary. Yet, under stress we can find ourselves tempted to be so focused on fixing these needs with with our preferred/habitual survival methods. In the process freedom evaporates, our awareness of God diminishes, and we miss how God meets us in each of these needs.
This prayer provides us with the opportunity for each of these things to take there proper place in the presence of Jesus.
As part of the prayer we draw our attention to the nature of our thoughts, our emotions and our body and noticing how the signs they provide help reveal and express what is bubbling under the surface. These signs could include: the heart racing, jaws clenching, tightness in the shoulders, a sense of anxiety, or overwhelming thoughts (experienced in our head). We then welcome Jesus into that place and the need it expresses.
Engaging in the prayer
Becoming Aware with Hospitality
Allow yourself to be still. Siting comfortably and relaxing your breathing. Gently become aware of Gods presence with you, nothing the hospitality God extends to you.
“I welcome you Jesus into this present moment. help me notice the the preoccupations of my mind, the movements of my heart and the state of my body.”
As you go through this time hold an hospitable presence to all these parts of yourself.
Notice the kind the thoughts which have dominated your mind. Name the affect they have on you. Acknowledge these and hold an hospitable presence to all these parts of yourself. letting them come to rest in the present moment.
[pause]
Notice the emotions and movement of your heart. Get a sense of what they are and how they take up space in you. Acknowledge these and hold an hospitable presence to all these parts of yourself. letting them come to rest in the present moment.
[pause]
Notice any tensions, tightness and numbness in your body. Feel where they are. And again, acknowledge these and hold an hospitable presence to all these parts of yourself. letting them come to rest in the present moment.
[pause]
Welcoming and Releasing
“As I acknowledge all these part of me and hold them with hospitality, I welcome you Jesus to be with me in each of them — attending to them with your care and attention.”
[pause]
Reorienting our Attention
“As I notice the ways I seek to solve my need to secure my well-being, I desire now to reorientate myself to you — trusting you to provide”
…
As I notice the ways I seek to solve my need for love and affection, I desire now to reorientate myself to you — receiving your love, affection and affirmation.
…
…
As I notice the ways I seek to solve my need to control and have primary influence on a situation (and people and groups in it), I desire now to reorientate myself to you — may your will be done.
…
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God” (Psalm 62:5 NLT)
End the prayer by gently resting in the Presence of Jesus.
(First draft 2018 edits made 2026)