When a church board meeting ends, it’s often a time for reflection, but also for committing everything that was discussed and decided to God. Closing prayers for church board meetings are an important part of the process. They serve as a way to reflect on what was accomplished, seek God’s wisdom for the future, and ensure that the decisions made are aligned with God’s will. In this post, I’ll share 20 closing prayer ideas that you can use for your church board meetings, each one backed by scripture and a simple, heartfelt prayer.
The Importance of a Closing Prayer for a Church Board Meeting
A closing prayer for a church board meeting is more than just a formality. It’s a moment to spiritually seal the work that has been done, reminding everyone present that the church’s governance is not merely about organizational decisions, but about fulfilling God’s will. In church leadership, board members are stewards of the spiritual health of the congregation. So, this prayer is crucial to ensure that every decision made is under God’s guidance and direction.
1. Prayer of Gratitude for God’s Guidance
Gratitude is the first step in every closing prayer. Acknowledge the fact that the meeting was possible because of God’s presence and guidance.
Scripture: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1
Application: As board members, it’s important to thank God for His presence in every decision and discussion. This gratitude sets the tone for the rest of the prayer.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your presence among us today. We are grateful for Your wisdom, Your guidance, and the unity we have shared. Thank You for being with us through each decision and for helping us understand Your will. May we continue to trust in Your goodness and love. Amen.
2. Prayer of Dedication for Plans and Decisions
After expressing gratitude, it’s vital to dedicate all that was accomplished to the Lord, asking for His establishment of those decisions.
Scripture: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3
Application: Every decision made during the meeting should be given back to God. This prayer asks Him to bless and establish the plans made during the meeting.
Prayer:
Lord,
We dedicate the plans and decisions made in this meeting to You. We ask that You establish them according to Your will and purpose. Help us to follow Your lead in every action we take. We trust in Your guidance for our church. Amen.
3. Prayer for Wisdom and Discernment
Prayers for wisdom and discernment are essential, especially after tough discussions or difficult decisions. This prayer asks God for continued wisdom as the work moves forward.
Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.” — James 1:5
Application: After a meeting, wisdom is needed for the next steps. This prayer asks God to continue guiding the leaders as they move forward with their plans.
Prayer:
Father,
We ask for Your wisdom and discernment to carry out the plans we’ve set. Help us to make wise decisions and be sensitive to Your guidance. Fill us with Your understanding and clarity as we move forward. Amen.
4. Prayer for Unity and Harmony
A church board must be unified in its decisions. This prayer focuses on asking God to maintain unity among board members as they work toward the common goal of serving the church.
Scripture: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1
Application: Unity is crucial in a leadership team. This prayer asks for God’s help in keeping the board unified, especially during challenging times.
Prayer:
God of peace,
We thank You for the unity we’ve experienced today. We ask that You continue to knit our hearts together in harmony as we work for Your kingdom. Help us to speak kindly to one another and to act with humility, always working toward unity. Amen.
5. Prayer for Protection and Safety
As church leaders, it’s important to pray for protection, both physically and spiritually. This prayer asks for God’s shield over everyone involved.
Scripture: “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life.” — Psalm 121:7
Application: This prayer seeks protection over the board members and the church as a whole, recognizing the spiritual warfare that can come with leadership.
Prayer:
Lord,
We ask for Your protection over each member here and the work we’ve discussed. Shield us from any harm, both seen and unseen, and keep us safe as we go about our work. May Your peace rest upon us. Amen.
6. Prayer for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
In the midst of decision-making, we often forget to pause and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This prayer invites the Holy Spirit to continue leading the board in its work.
Scripture: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things.” — John 14:26
Application: This prayer focuses on inviting the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and empower the board as they continue to make decisions.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit,
We invite You to lead us in all we do. Teach us Your ways and give us the strength to follow Your guidance. May Your presence be felt in every decision and action as we continue serving You. Amen.
7. Prayer of Confession and Repentance
Sometimes, church boards face difficult moments or decisions that result in division or frustration. This prayer invites reflection and repentance for any mistakes made during the meeting.
Scripture: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” — 1 John 1:9
Application: This prayer asks for forgiveness for any wrong decisions or attitudes, making the closing prayer a time of spiritual renewal and cleansing.
Prayer:
Lord,
We come before You with humble hearts, confessing any wrong attitudes or decisions we’ve made today. We ask for Your forgiveness and healing. May we always seek to honor You in everything we do. Amen.
8. Prayer for Strength to Implement Decisions
Sometimes, church leaders need strength and endurance to carry out their decisions. This prayer asks for the physical and spiritual strength to follow through with the work ahead.
Scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
Application: This prayer focuses on asking God for strength, knowing that He is the ultimate source of all our abilities.
Prayer:
Father,
We ask for the strength to carry out the work we’ve planned. May Your power be our source of energy as we move forward. Help us to stay strong, focused, and faithful in all we do. Amen.
9. Prayer for Patience and Endurance
Leadership can be challenging, and sometimes progress seems slow. This prayer asks for patience and perseverance, trusting that God is at work in His time.
Scripture: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
Application: This prayer acknowledges that the work of the church board is ongoing, and it asks for patience to continue working diligently, no matter how long the process takes.
Prayer:
Lord,
Give us the patience and endurance we need to keep going, even when things feel slow. Help us to trust that You are at work, and that in Your time, we will see the fruit of our labor. Amen.
10. Prayer for Courage and Boldness
Board members may face difficult decisions that require courage. This prayer asks for boldness to take action, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable.
Scripture: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Application: This prayer focuses on asking God for courage in making difficult choices and trusting Him for the outcome.
Prayer:
God,
Give us the courage to make decisions that honor You, even when they feel difficult or uncomfortable. Help us to trust that You are with us every step of the way. Amen.
11. Prayer for Renewal and Refreshment
After a long and perhaps intense meeting, board members might need spiritual renewal. This prayer asks God to refresh everyone with His spirit.
Scripture: “He refreshes my soul.” — Psalm 23:3
Application: This prayer focuses on the need for God to refresh the board members, especially after a hard meeting or season of heavy decisions.
Prayer:
Father,
We ask that You renew our hearts and spirits. Refresh us with Your presence, and fill us with Your peace as we leave this meeting. May we be renewed in our calling and in our desire to serve You. Amen.
12. Prayer for the Future of the Church
A church board meeting always focuses on the future of the church. This prayer asks for God’s direction and blessing on the church’s future.
Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Application: This prayer looks ahead, asking for God’s blessing on the church’s future and that all plans align with His will.
Prayer:
Lord,
We trust You with the future of our church. We ask that You guide us in the plans we’ve made and that You would bless every step of our journey. May Your will be done, and may we be faithful stewards of the work You’ve entrusted to us. Amen.
13. Prayer for Peace and Rest
After a busy meeting, peace and rest are important. This prayer asks for God’s peace to rest upon the board members and their families.
Scripture: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7
Application: This prayer asks for God’s peace to cover the board members, giving them rest and tranquility after a full day of work.
Prayer:
God of peace,
We ask that Your peace rest upon us now. Guard our hearts and minds and give us rest, knowing that You are in control of all things. Help us to carry Your peace into our work and relationships. Amen.
14. Prayer for God’s Will to Be Done
At the end of every church board meeting, it’s crucial to submit all decisions to God’s will. This prayer expresses our desire for God’s will to be done.
Scripture: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:42
Application: This prayer seeks to surrender all decisions and plans to God’s perfect will.
Prayer:
Lord,
We submit all our plans and decisions to Your will. We trust that You know what’s best for our church, and we ask that You would guide us according to Your perfect purpose. Amen.
15. Prayer for God’s Strength in Leadership
Leadership can be exhausting, and this prayer seeks God’s strength to sustain the board members as they continue in their service.
Scripture: “The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” — Psalm 27:1
Application: This prayer asks for divine strength to lead with courage and faith, especially during challenging moments.
Prayer:
God,
We thank You for being the strength of our lives. Give us the courage and energy to continue leading Your people with faith and wisdom. Empower us with Your strength as we carry out Your work. Amen.
16. Prayer for Commitment to Serve
This prayer encourages board members to commit themselves fully to the work at hand, reminding them of their calling to serve God and His people.
Scripture: “Here I am, send me.” — Isaiah 6:8
Application: This prayer calls the board members to renew their commitment to serve God’s kingdom wholeheartedly.
Prayer:
Lord,
We commit ourselves fully to Your service. Help us to be faithful stewards of the responsibilities You’ve given us. May we continue to serve with humility and love, always keeping Your mission at the forefront of our work. Amen.
17. Prayer for Comfort in Difficult Decisions
Church boards sometimes face difficult decisions, and this prayer asks for comfort and clarity during those moments.
Scripture: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
Application: This prayer seeks comfort and clarity for leaders facing hard choices.
Prayer:
Father,
We ask for Your comfort and clarity in the difficult decisions we must make. Help us to trust in Your plan and find peace in the midst of uncertainty. Amen.
18. Prayer for Spiritual Renewal
This prayer focuses on renewing the spiritual vitality of the board, helping them stay grounded in their faith while leading the church.
Scripture: “Renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
Application: The board is responsible for spiritual leadership. This prayer seeks renewal of their faith and passion for God’s work.
Prayer:
God,
Renew our spirits and strengthen our faith. Help us to lead with passion and purpose, always seeking Your guidance in all that we do. Amen.
19. Prayer for Humility in Leadership
Humility is key in leadership, and this prayer asks for humility in all the decisions made.
Scripture: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” — James 4:10
Application: This prayer asks for humility, acknowledging that the board’s leadership is ultimately about serving God and His people.
Prayer:
Lord,
We ask that You give us humble hearts as we serve Your people. Help us to put aside our personal agendas and seek only to do Your will. May we lead with grace and humility in all things. Amen.
20. Prayer for God’s Blessing on the Church
Finally, this prayer asks for God’s blessing on the church, its leaders, and the congregation as a whole.
Scripture: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” — Numbers 6:24-26
Application: This prayer asks for God’s blessings to extend beyond the board and cover the entire church family.
Prayer:
Father,
We ask for Your blessing on our church, our leaders, and our congregation. May Your presence guide us in every step and may Your favor rest upon all we do. Bless our efforts to serve Your kingdom. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is a closing prayer important for a church board meeting?
- A closing prayer helps to submit the decisions made to God’s will and provides a moment of reflection and guidance for the future.
- What should be included in a closing prayer for a church board meeting?
- A good closing prayer should express gratitude, dedicate the decisions made, ask for wisdom, unity, and strength, and seek God’s guidance moving forward.
- How long should a closing prayer for a church board meeting be?
- The prayer should be concise, usually lasting about 2-3 minutes, while still covering the key elements of gratitude, dedication, and blessings.
- Can a closing prayer be personal?
- Yes, a closing prayer can reflect personal feelings and experiences while still aligning with the spiritual goals of the meeting.
- Can you pray for specific decisions during a closing prayer?
- Absolutely. A closing prayer should reflect the specific decisions made and ask God to bless and guide those decisions.
- What scriptures can be used in a closing prayer for a church board meeting?
- Common scriptures include Proverbs 16:3, James 1:5, Philippians 4:13, and Psalm 133:1.
Conclusion
A closing prayer for a church board meeting is a powerful moment to commit everything to God. By including gratitude, dedication, wisdom, and blessing, each prayer helps the board members stay focused on their divine mission.