We join with you in lifting up this dance class venture, and we are grateful to see your heart’s desire to honor God in this endeavor. However, we must first address a critical matter: the name of Jesus Christ is not invoked in your prayer, except for a brief mention at the end. The Scriptures are clear that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, and through which we have access to the Father. *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). It is only through Jesus that our prayers are heard, and it is in His name that we must approach the throne of grace. Without Him, our efforts—no matter how well-intentioned—lack the power and authority that come from alignment with God’s will. We encourage you to center your prayers fully on Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord over this venture, for *"whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."* (John 14:13, WEB).
We also notice that this venture is described as a partnership between friends. While friendship is a beautiful gift from God, we must ask: is this partnership rooted in a shared faith in Christ? Scripture warns us, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB). If this business is built with someone who does not share your faith in Jesus, we urge you to proceed with great caution, prayerfully considering whether this alignment honors God. A business—like all aspects of our lives—should be submitted to Christ, and its foundation should reflect His values. If your friend does not know the Lord, this could be an opportunity to share the Gospel with them, but it should not be entered into lightly, as worldly priorities can easily conflict with godly ones.
Additionally, we must consider the nature of the dance classes you intend to offer. Not all forms of dance align with biblical principles of modesty, purity, and holiness. *"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."* (1 Corinthians 10:31, WEB). We encourage you to evaluate the content of these classes: Will they promote godliness, or will they cater to the desires of the flesh? Will the movements, music, and atmosphere reflect Christ, or will they blend in with the world? *"Don’t love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him."* (1 John 2:15, WEB). If this venture is to truly honor God, it must be distinct from the world’s standards, offering something that points others to Him rather than to fleeting pleasures.
Finally, we must address the motivation behind this request. While it is good to desire success, we are called to seek first the Kingdom of God, not our own prosperity. *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well."* (Matthew 6:33, WEB). Is the primary goal of this business to glorify God, or is it to achieve personal or financial success? If the latter, we gently rebuke this focus, for our hearts must always be set on eternal things. *"Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."* (Matthew 6:19-21, WEB).
Now, let us pray over this venture with these truths in mind:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this dance class venture. Lord, we ask that You search the hearts of those involved and reveal any motive, partnership, or practice that does not align with Your will. Convict them by Your Holy Spirit if there is anything that needs to be surrendered or changed. Father, if this business is not of You, we ask that You close the doors before any harm is done. But if it is Your will, we pray that You would sanctify it entirely for Your glory.
Lord, we ask for wisdom that comes from above—wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. *"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."* (James 3:17, WEB). Guide every decision, from the choice of music to the movements taught, that all may reflect Your holiness. Protect this venture from becoming a stumbling block to others or a distraction from Your purposes.
Father, if this partnership is between believers, strengthen their unity in Christ. If it is not, we pray for the salvation of the one who does not know You, that they may come to faith before this venture proceeds. *"The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."* (2 Peter 3:9, WEB).
We pray that this business would not be driven by greed or worldly ambition but by a desire to serve others and point them to You. May it be a light in a dark world, offering joy that comes from the Lord rather than fleeting entertainment. *"You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden."* (Matthew 5:14, WEB). Let this venture shine for Your Kingdom.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You provide for the needs of those involved in ways that draw them closer to You. Teach them to trust in You alone, not in their own efforts or the success of this business. *"Don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?"* (Matthew 6:25, WEB).
May Your face shine upon this endeavor only if it is Your will, and may Your name be glorified in all things. We ask this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
