Today, I am resuming lessons in person after a long break due to COVID-19. For those of you who may not know, I struggle with anxiety and take medicine to help ease symptoms. This morning, I began to feel nervous about today. Knowing that none of the negative thoughts I was having were founded, I decided to write out a creed of sorts, a declaration to put my anxiety in its place. Recently, I have been reading a lot about shame and have learned that an extremely effective way to expose shame, causing it to lose its power is to practice vulnerability in a setting with trusted individuals. I felt called to share what I wrote in hopes that it may encourage others. I plan to start reciting this prayer each morning before I begin lessons as a way to declare God’s truth over my work and my day.

A Music Teacher’s Prayer of Encouragement and Empowerment:

Today, I have an opportunity to nurture young hearts and minds through the world of music. I will not allow my insecurities to give me anxiety. My worth is not dependent on the approval of my students or their parents. Should a conflict arise, I will do my best to resolve it with integrity, knowing that I am human, and it Is ok to make mistakes. I have prepared for today’s lessons to the best of my ability and I leave the outcome in the Lord’s hands. Thank you, Lord for the gift of music and the privilege of sharing it my gift with others as we reflect Your beauty and purity. May my work today be an act of worship and not of performance. Renew my mind and give me your peace. Please give me confidence that I have studied how to play the piano, as well as how to teach piano, and have something of value to offer today. Help me to remember that I am a competent professional who deserves respect as I plan to give respect. Please give me patience and love for my students and their families. I give today’s lessons to You in anticipation that You will work in my life and the lives of my students for good and for Your glory. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.