MEETING PRAYERS
Prayer helps us focus our thoughts on God, to seek a spiritual way in our work. The following prayers were written to open meetings. Some of the prayers address specific forms of meetings. By beginning with prayer, we can aid our effort, whatever it may be, by seeking divine inspiration, guidance, and intervention to lead us on God's path.
A FORM FOR OPENING A MEETING
INTRODUCTORY VERSE:
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord
ALL: Who made heaven and earth.
Leader: As we gather for the meeting of (name of group meeting),
we call upon God to be with us.
PRAYER:
Leader:(Call upon God--for example:)
- God of Love
- Spirit of Understanding
- Creator of the Universe
ALL: (Praise God for past favors--for example:)
- We thank You and praise You for Your goodness to us.
- You surround us with people who care.
- We praise you for the gift of life.
(Make your specific request for this meeting.)
- Be with us as we discuss (purpose of meeting).
- Inspire us to solve the problems we face today.
- Help us to create an atmosphere of loving kindness for (name the facility or unit).
(Conclusion)
- We ask this in Jesus' name.
AMEN.
- Be with us both now and forever.
AMEN.
- Grant this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
A FORM FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OR BOARD MEETINGS
Almighty God, Ruler of the Universe,
by Your power we move and have our being.
We are gathered here today to serve You
and conduct the affairs of (name the facility).
Give us knowledge and strength to do Your will,
with a proper balance of eternal values and our present needs.
May we accept our responsibilities and act with courage,
considering the feelings of other people.
Grant us a sense of justice and stewardship both now and forever.
AMEN.
A FORM FOR A LEADERSHIP MEETING
Holy Spirit of Wisdom,
You refresh us with Your life-saving power.
You have entrusted us with a share in leadership.
Help us to share ideas and plans with each other.
Keep us kind and courteous to one another.
Give us insight to the work at hand
that we may further Your causes and benefit many people.
Help us to resist any temptation to dominate,
control or forget the needs of all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
A FORM FOR A GROUP MEETING
Spirit of the Living God,
With faith and hope we trust in Your presence.
Give us a vision of Your plan for our salvation.
Bless our leader with wisdom and discretion.
Grant us patience to listen to reports,
to consider decisions which keep us moving forward.
Help us to support one another for the common good.
We ask this in Jesus' name.
AMEN.
A FORM FOR A FINANCE MEETING
God, our heavenly Father,
You provide and sustain us in life.
You gave us Jesus, our priceless treasure.
May our counting and recording procedures
promote good stewardship.
Help us to fairly share our resources with others.
May we respect all matters of confidentiality
and do all in Your spirit of generosity.
Bless us with wise discretion both now and forever.
AMEN.
A FORM FOR A PLANNING MEETING
Triune God, You are a community of persons.
In your mercy and grace,
we gather to plan (mention specific plan).
Give us unity of heart and mind
to consider the tasks and challenges before us today.
Send Your Spirit of Insight to open our imaginations
to prepare for what lies ahead.
May we trust and share our convictions with enthusiasm.
May Your kingdom come, through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.
AMEN.
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