As the holidays come upon us, we can pray in anticipation of an overwhelming amount of social time. When we discern what commitments to make, we can pray specifically about our hearts and opportunities beforehand. When it feels intimidating to show up at a gathering where we have little in common with attendees, we ask the Lord to help us engage, ask good questions, and be good listeners. It’s amazing how loved people feel when we give them our attention.

A mere glance at the December calendar is enough to make me sweat. The holiday season is upon us, and soon every weekend will be full of gatherings. Between family traditions, church events, work parties, and other festivities, I’m already wondering how we introverts are going to sustain the social exhaustion of this season. Already wanting to axe some of the perceivably less meaningful activities, I find myself sweetly encouraged: what rich opportunities Christmas brings to pray, connect, and minister. What if the chaos in this season is instead a sharpener of our perspective, our time, and our witness?

1. Pray

If we introverts want more stamina to gather, perhaps it’s not always found in our recovery—but in our preparation. As I write this, I have a scrap of paper close by because my mind won’t stop circling on gifts to order, cards to send, party supplies to purchase. My mind is already amped in anticipation of voluminous small talk at the next gathering. Perhaps a few minutes of quiet prayer before we head out that door is an intentionality worth practicing.

Pray for godly words. Whether we get nervous and say too much or people-please and end up affirming gossip—we need help with our conversations. Consider praying:

Lord, set a guard over my mouth, watch my lips, and let my heart not participate in ugly or disparaging conversations. (See Psalm 141:3–4.)

Lord, let what comes out of my mouth be for building up and giving grace. (See Ephesians 4:29.)

Lord, let me not make myself big by making others small. (See Philippians 2:3, 4.)

Lord, let not jealousy, bitterness, or resentment motivate my words or behavior. (See Ephesians 4:31.)

Lord, help me to be a tenderhearted peacemaker, putting away offenses and welcoming those who have wronged me. (See Ephesians 4:32.)

Pray for boldness. Every gathering is an opportunity to point to Christ, whether that is sharing the Gospel or encouraging other believers to continue clinging to our great hope. When it feels much easier to keep it light with small talk, ask the Lord for discretion on when to initiate spiritual conversations.

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