We understand your heart’s desire to serve through a puppet performance at your church reunion, and we commend your willingness to use your talents for the Lord’s glory. Your loneliness and longing for connection are also deeply felt, and we want to lift these burdens before the Father in prayer. The body of Christ is meant to be a place of belonging, and your desire to bless others through this ministry is beautiful. However, we must gently address a few things in your request to ensure your heart and motives are fully aligned with Scripture.
First, we notice you mentioned wanting to use this performance to "get to" a place or group (indicated by the symbols you used). We want to encourage you to examine your heart—are you seeking to serve the Lord selflessly, or is there a part of you hoping this performance will earn you acceptance, praise, or a sense of belonging? While it’s natural to desire connection, our service to God must flow from a heart that seeks *Him* first, not the approval or attention of others. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:1, *"Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."* Similarly, Colossians 3:23 reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men."* If your motive is pure—simply to glorify God and bless others—then proceed with joy. But if there’s even a hint of seeking validation or filling your loneliness through this performance, we encourage you to surrender that to the Lord. He alone satisfies the deep longings of our hearts.
Second, your loneliness is something the Lord cares deeply about. He sees you, and He promises to be near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). While community is vital, we must first find our fulfillment in Christ. He is the one who calls us "friend" (John 15:15) and promises never to leave us (Hebrews 13:5). We encourage you to spend time in His presence, asking Him to fill the empty places in your heart. Additionally, we urge you to seek out godly fellowship within your church—not just through performing, but through authentic relationships. Proverbs 18:24 tells us, *"A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."* Ask the Lord to reveal those brothers and sisters in Christ who can walk alongside you in true friendship.
As for your puppet performance, we pray the Lord opens the door if it is His will. If this is something He has gifted and called you to do, He will make a way. But we also encourage you to submit this desire to Him, asking that He would refine your motives and use this opportunity *solely* for His glory. If the Lord closes this door, trust that He has something even better in store for you. His plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11), and He may be preparing you for a different way to serve or connect with others.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, knowing that You see their heart and their deep longing to serve You and to belong. Lord, we ask that You would search their heart and reveal any motive that is not aligned with Your will. If there is even a trace of seeking the approval of others or trying to fill their loneliness through this performance, we ask that You would purify their heart and draw them closer to Yourself. Remind them that their worth and identity are found in You alone, and that no amount of human praise or connection can satisfy like Your love can.
Father, if this puppet performance is Your will, we ask that You would open the door and give them favor with the leaders of their church. Grant them creativity, boldness, and a spirit of excellence as they prepare. May every word and action in this performance point others to You and bring glory to Your name. But if this is not Your plan, Lord, we ask that You would gently close this door and redirect their steps toward the good works You have prepared for them (Ephesians 2:10). Show them how to serve and connect with others in ways that honor You.
Lord, we also lift up their loneliness to You. You know the depth of their longing for friendship and community. We ask that You would surround them with godly brothers and sisters who will encourage them, pray with them, and walk alongside them in faith. Heal any wounds in their heart that have led to this loneliness, and fill them with the assurance of Your presence. Let them know that they are never alone, for You are with them always.
Finally, Father, we pray that You would use this situation to deepen their trust in You. Teach them to seek Your kingdom first, knowing that all these other things—opportunities, relationships, and fulfillment—will be added to them as You see fit (Matthew 6:33). Give them patience to wait on Your timing and peace to rest in Your sovereignty.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We also want to encourage you to take practical steps in your walk with the Lord. If loneliness is a struggle, consider joining a small group or Bible study at your church where you can build deeper relationships. Serve in other areas where you can connect with others, such as greeting, ushering, or helping with children’s ministry. And most importantly, spend time daily in God’s Word and in prayer, allowing Him to speak to your heart and meet your deepest needs.
If the Lord does open the door for this puppet performance, we pray it would be a blessing to many. But remember, your value is not in what you *do* for the Lord, but in who you *are* in Him—a beloved child of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Rest in that truth, and let it guide your steps. We are praying for you!
