A Prayer for Social Anxiety

God, before I even walk into the room my heart is racing and my face is hot. I am sure everyone will notice how awkward I am, replay every word I say, and find me lacking. I want to connect with people, but the fear of being judged makes me want to disappear.

I confess I have spent years imagining what others think of me, most of it harsh, and treating those imagined verdicts as the truth about who I am.

So I bring this self-conscious, trembling heart to You. You see me with no contempt at all. You are not embarrassed by me. You delight in me even when I stumble over my words.

Go ahead of me into that gathering. Take my eyes off myself and put them on the person in front of me. Let me listen more than I perform, and let me believe I have something worth offering just by showing up.

You said that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together on purpose. Let that settle the part of me that feels like a mistake in every crowd.

I hand You my fear of being seen. Help me walk in unafraid, not because I have stopped feeling nervous, but because Your love is louder than the room. Let me leave knowing I belonged there. Amen.