How We Built Consistent, Committed Prayer into our Company

Dear Exploring,

Whatever we attempt for God has to be in accordance with His will and be blessed by Him if we are to see genuine success (in the heavenly definition of success). This is true for every venture, whether operated under the auspices of a local church, a Christian organisation or an overtly commercial business venture. In fact, because of the pressures and expectations that the world brings to bear on business ventures, it is all the more important to ensure close communion and communication with God. Whatever this may mean in practical terms, it has to include prayer.

The most obvious biblical instruction about how we should pray is Jesus’ introduction to His model prayer – that which most people refer to as the Lord’s Prayer – as recorded in Matthew 6. What these instructions boil down to is: keep it sincere, keep it personal (you and God) and keep it short and to the point. How this operates in practice will vary according to local circumstances. Our own experience was developed over a short time but then served the business well for many years – but not without some hiccups along the way, it may be added.

Internal Prayer

Because most of the directors over time were Christians we found it useful to meet with other Christian staff members to pray about the business in general and particular issues that arose from time to time. We found the ideal time for us to meet was early each Monday morning, before the start of the normal working day. Although we made no secret that we were meeting for prayer, this timing reduced (though didn’t entirely eliminate) any accusations of being a “holy huddle” or a “Christian clique”.

The practice of praying regularly served to focus everyone’s mind on what we were about and when we prayed, there was no distinction between what may in some circles be considered “sacred” Christian concerns and more “secular” business matters. In difficult times, prayer helped us to refocus our thinking to recognise that God is always in control of every situation, whether good or bad.

External Prayer

We were fortunate in having a group of people who had no direct involvement with the business but who had a real interest in its prosperity. This group regularly met together with the directors of the business specifically to worship together and pray about business concerns. This was usually an evening gathering on a monthly basis and we found a close bond and fellowship developed amongst the group. It was often the case that difficult decisions and circumstances were brought to this group for prayer and to seek God’s perspective as we prayed and listened. It goes without saying that issues were treated in strictest confidence by all members. Such was the bond that developed between the members that we continue to this day to meet together for prayer and fellowship long after the business was sold on, though the meetings are not so frequent. We were fortunate in that this group came together in an informal way, but it proved to be so beneficial. We would urge any business that is seeking to serve God in the commercial world to seek out those who are genuinely interested in its success.

Half hearted commitment is probably not a good thing, so that it is better to start small, with one or two who show a real interest, rather than actively recruiting to build a bigger group. The group is then likely to grow organically over time as more people hear about it and feel God would have them join. It is difficult to recommend an ideal group size, but for what it is worth, our own group numbered eleven, though not everyone was able to attend every meeting. We found this worked very well.

Two Levels of Committed Prayer

We believe sincere, consistent and comprehensive prayer is vital in any Christian venture. In our own case we found that prayer at two levels proved to be ideal. It served as a regular reminder to those employed in the business what we were really about and to bring a healthy, godly perspective into difficult issues. We also benefitted powerfully from a broader Christian perception that involved those who were able to approach issues from a more objective point of view.

by David Skews

 

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From Joseph Vijayam:

Prayer in a business context can be divided into three types. First, there is personal prayer for strength and guidance from God in matters relating to the Business. Second, there is corporate prayer by those who work in the business, a group of colleagues who are committed to praying for the business and all its stakeholders. Third is engaging individuals or groups outside the business who are well-wishers, family or friends and are committed to praying for the business and/or the people who work in it. I want to share some thoughts and personal experiences for all three:

I believe that the entrepreneur’s dependence on God is no different from that of a missionary working in a hostile environment. The world of business is fraught with dangers, temptations and opposition. We live and work in a fallen world that embraces values which are contrary to those of God’s Kingdom. Besides the constant onslaught of the enemy, there are ups and downs in any business over a period of time. To hang in there during hardship requires nothing short of total dependence on God. […Read more]