
As I prepare to step onto the stage, I have a routine that I follow. Before speaking in public or giving an interview, I always say a quick prayer to the Holy Spirit, asking for guidance in my words. This practice has served me well, as things almost always go smoothly.
Even though I have given numerous talks over the years, I still feel nervous in the moments before each one. I worry that I will forget the stories I want to share or that the punch line won’t land. There are also concerns about the crowd’s reaction, whether they will be hostile or bored. My goal is to provide valuable insights to those who are interested in what I have to say, but I can’t do that if I’m consumed by anxiety.
To combat these fears, I make sure to prepare as thoroughly as possible. I think about the message I want to convey and practice my delivery. And then, I turn to prayer.
I don’t have a set formula for my prayers, and I’m not even sure if there are specific words I use each time. According to author Chris Smith, this is not uncommon. Sometimes, our prayers go beyond words and are expressed through the language of the heart, understood only by the Spirit.
For me, I take a deep breath and take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to guide my speech. I ask for wisdom, kindness, and mercy to be infused into my words.
The foundation of my prayer is trust, a belief that is reinforced by the Gospel passage for today: “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”