Imagine this. You’re settling down to Christmas dinner with your extended family or friends. Suddenly, everyone is looking at you. They want you to pray for the meal.

Leading a group in prayer before Christmas or any formal dinner can be intimidating. Maybe you’re the only believer in the group and the others want the “religious one” to pray. Or perhaps no one wants to pray and you feel like someone should. Even praying in front of a group of Christians can be daunting.

It doesn’t have to be a burden. You have been given an opportunity to bless people, whether they’re fellow Christians or nonbelievers. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to pray:

Don’t try to do too much
Everyone at the table might be listening to you, but this is not the time to launch into a mini-sermon with an altar call. You also don’t want to make it any longer than necessary, or else your guests will get upset that you’re keeping them from eating.

Keep it simple and genuine
Be heartfelt in your words and don’t use 50-cent words or religious jargon. Just like when you pray every day, you’re having a conversation with God. Talk to Him the same way you would among your friends.

Make Him known
Don’t be afraid to speak the name of Jesus Christ. You’re not preaching to your guests, but you don’t want to hide Jesus, either.

Don’t undo your prayer
Even if you’ve given the best prayer you’ve ever prayed, you can unravel it with an action or a misspoken word. Remember that you are an ambassador of Christ at that table and act accordingly.

Don’t forget to use the model Jesus gave us for how should pray in Matthew 6:9–13. Glorify God through your words and actions!