Prayer Before a Difficult Conversation

A prayer before a hard talk — with a spouse, parent, friend, boss, or someone you have wronged

The Prayer Before a Difficult Conversation asks for the right words, the right heart and the courage to speak honestly and kindly. It is for talks with a spouse, parent, friend, boss or someone you have wronged. Before you say anything, you ask the Holy Spirit to prepare both people to listen. The prayer takes less than a minute and often changes the tone. Afterward, whatever the response, thank God for the courage you had and release the outcome to him. If you are the one apologising, keep your words short, honest and free of excuses.

Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play

Prayer Before a Difficult Conversation

Lord, I need to have a conversation I have been putting off. I am afraid of it.

I am afraid of saying the wrong thing. I am afraid of the other person's reaction. I am afraid of what this conversation might cost — the relationship, the peace, the comfort of avoiding it.

But You know better than I do that avoiding hard conversations does not make the need for them go away. Give me the courage to have this one.

(Pause here to name the conversation and person in your heart)

Help me to go in with a heart that is seeking truth and restoration, not winning. Help me to listen as much as I speak. Help me to speak with honesty and gentleness — not one without the other. Give me the humility to apologize where I am wrong and the firmness to hold to what is right where that is required.

Lord, go before me in this conversation. Prepare the heart of the person I am speaking to. And let what comes out of this difficult moment be something that could not have been reached any other way.

St. Francis de Sales, patron of gentle speech, pray for me.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When should I pray the Prayer Before a Difficult Conversation?

Pray it just before you meet or call, and again afterwards in thanks.

How do I pray the Prayer Before a Difficult Conversation?

Take a slow breath, read the prayer, and decide on your one main point.

Who is the Prayer Before a Difficult Conversation for?

Spouses, parents, colleagues and anyone who needs to apologise or forgive.

Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play