A Simple Guide to the Welcoming Prayer

The Welcoming Prayer is a contemplative practice that helps us surrender to God, Reality, and Love in the midst of ordinary, often messy moments. The prayer has been embraced by many as a way of finding peace not by avoiding our feelings but by gently welcoming them. 

How to Practice the Welcoming Prayer

1. Notice what you’re feeling.

   Pause and gently become aware of what’s present—fear, anger, sadness, grief, joy, numbness, or something else. Notice it not just in your thoughts, but in your body.

2. Welcome the feeling.

   Silently (or aloud, if you’re able), name it:

   “Welcome, fear.”

   “Welcome, sadness.”

   You’re not saying you like the feeling. You’re simply choosing to stop fighting it.

3. Pray the Welcoming Prayer.

   Slowly and gently repeat the prayer below, allowing the words to meet you where you are.

Welcome, welcome, welcome.

I welcome everything that comes to me today

because I know it’s for my healing.

I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons,

situations, and conditions.

I let go of my desire for power and control.

I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval, and pleasure.

I let go of my desire for survival and security.

I let go of my desire to change any situation,

condition, person, or myself.

I open to the love and presence of God and God’s action within.

Amen.

This is a practice you can return to anytime, especially when life feels overwhelming or uncertain.

Want a guided version?

If you’d like to experience the Welcoming Prayer as a guided practice, you can watch this recording of one of our recent worship gatherings. The guided prayer begins at about minute 29.