Prayer for a Meeting

Prayer Before a Meeting (General)

Lord God, we thank You for bringing us together at this time. We ask for Your presence in our meeting today. Grant us wisdom, discernment, and unity of purpose. Help us to listen with open hearts, to speak with clarity and respect, and to make decisions that honor You and benefit all those we serve. May our discussions be guided by Your Spirit, and may all we do bring peace, justice, and goodwill. Amen.

An opening prayer for a meeting serves to set a positive tone, invite guidance, and foster unity among participants. These prayers can be adapted for various types of gatherings, from business meetings to church committees, and often focus on themes such as wisdom, guidance, peace, and productivity.

A common prayer for a meeting often includes elements of gratitude, a request for guidance and wisdom, and a plea for unity and understanding among attendees. For instance, a widely used prayer begins: "Heavenly Father, we come to you today asking for your guidance, wisdom, and support as we begin this meeting. Help us to engage in meaningful discussion; allow us to grow closer as a group and nurture the bonds of community". This prayer, originating from the St. Louis University Prayerbook, emphasizes seeking truth and serving humanity.

Other prayers for meetings frequently incorporate specific requests depending on the meeting's purpose. For example, a prayer for wisdom might ask, "Guide us in our discussions and decisions, helping us to seek what is best for all involved. We trust in your perfect wisdom and ask that you direct our meeting according to your will" Similarly, a prayer for unity may request, "Help us to put aside any personal agendas or differences and work together in harmony towards our common goal" Prayers can also focus on humility, guidance, peace, blessing, clarity, productivity, creativity, renewal, or anticipation.

When preparing an opening prayer, it's beneficial to consider the audience and the meeting's objectives. The prayer can be modified to suit different groups, such as an American Legion meeting or a school parent-teacher association, by adjusting the language to reflect the specific community and its goals. The goal is to create a sense of shared purpose and to invite a spirit of cooperation and thoughtful deliberation.

A common and adaptable opening prayer for a meeting is: "Heavenly Father, we come to you today asking for your guidance, wisdom, and support as we begin this meeting. Help us to engage in meaningful discussion; allow us to grow closer as a group and nurture the bonds of community. Fill us with your grace, Lord God, as we make decisions that might affect those we serve. And continue to remind us that all that we do here today, all that we accomplish, is for the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of You, and for the service of humanity. We ask these things in your name, Amen." This prayer can be modified to fit various contexts by adjusting the specific beneficiaries mentioned, such as "students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends of Saint Louis University" or "us, other veterans, and our community"

Additional elements often included in meeting prayers are:

• Gratitude: Expressing thanks for the opportunity to gather and for the contributions of participants.

• Clarity and Discernment: Asking for clear minds and the ability to make sound decisions.

• Productivity: Seeking help to stay focused and achieve positive outcomes.

• Ethical Conduct: Praying for integrity and fairness in all discussions and decisions.

• Perseverance: Requesting strength to navigate challenges and maintain a positive attitude.

Ultimately, the purpose of an opening prayer is to create a reflective and purposeful atmosphere, encouraging participants to approach the meeting with open hearts and minds, guided by shared values and a desire for positive results.

OTHER PRAYER: "Dear Lord, we offer this gathering to you and ask you to bless it with your wisdom and grace. We thank you for this opportunity to be together, to grow in love and service of you and of each other. We ask you to enlighten our minds to know what is true and just, and strengthen our wills to carry out faithfully our duty. May all our thoughts, words, and actions be directed to making your name and your love better known among men and women, for their sanctification and their happiness here and in eternity. Amen."