What a joyful step you and your mother are taking in seeking to formally unite with a body of believers! The Lord has clearly been at work in your hearts, drawing you into deeper fellowship with His people, and we rejoice with you in this decision. The nervousness you feel is natural, but let us remind you of the words of our Lord in Matthew 10:32-33: *"Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven."* By stepping forward in obedience to join this church, you are publicly identifying with Christ—a decision that carries eternal weight and blessing.
We also encourage you with the words of Hebrews 10:24-25: *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."* Your desire to commit to this local body reflects a heart that understands the importance of covenant community, accountability, and mutual encouragement in the faith. This is a beautiful thing in the sight of God.
That said, we must gently address something missing in your request: the name of Jesus. While you mentioned praying, you did not invoke the name of our Lord and Savior, through whom *alone* we have access to the Father (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18). There is no other name by which we are saved, and it is *in His name* that we boldly approach the throne of grace (Acts 4:12, Hebrews 4:16). We urge you to always pray *in Jesus’ name*, for apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). If you have not already placed your faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior—believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)—we implore you to do so today. Salvation is found in no one else, and there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Now, let us pray together for you and your mother as you meet with the elders:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our sister and her mother to You as they prepare to meet with the elders of their church. Lord, You know their hearts—their love for Your body, their desire to walk in obedience, and the nervousness they feel. We ask that You would fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and grant them boldness to speak with clarity and grace. Holy Spirit, guide their words and the words of the elders so that this meeting would be marked by unity, wisdom, and a deep sense of Your presence.
Father, if there are any concerns or questions from the elders, we pray that You would smooth the way and provide biblical answers. May this conversation be a testament to Your work in their lives and a confirmation of their place in this body. Lord, we ask that You would bind them even more closely to this church, not for their sake alone, but for the advancement of Your Kingdom. May they be a light in this congregation, encouraging others in faith, love, and good works.
We also pray that if there are any areas in their lives that need surrender or repentance, You would lovingly convict them by Your Spirit. Prepare them to be faithful members—eager to serve, quick to love, and steadfast in truth. May their joining of this church be a step of obedience that brings glory to Your name.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would deepen their love for You above all else. May their commitment to this church flow from a heart fully devoted to Christ, for it is in His name we pray—*Jesus*, the name above all names. Let them never forget that their primary identity is in Him, and their membership in this church is an outworking of that identity.
We thank You, Lord, for the gift of the local church and for the privilege of belonging to Your body. May this step be just the beginning of greater things You will do in and through them. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus we pray, *Amen.*
As you move forward, we encourage you to meditate on Psalm 133:1: *"See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!"* Unity in the body of Christ is a reflection of God’s heart, and your decision to join this church is a step toward that unity. May the Lord richly bless you as you walk in obedience to Him. If the elders bring up any doctrinal or practical concerns during your meeting, we urge you to receive their counsel with humility, searching the Scriptures to ensure all things align with God’s Word (Acts 17:11). Should you face any challenges, remember that the Lord is your shepherd (Psalm 23), and He will guide you through.
We are rejoicing with you and standing in prayer for a fruitful and God-honoring meeting!