This "A Board Prayer" article by ECFA President &CEO Michael Martin

originally appeared on LinkedIn on May 22, 2024.

When it comes to ministry boards, godly wisdom is the number one quality that we need in our leadership. And Scripture tells us that when we lack wisdom, we ought to pray.

But how can we practically cultivate this spirit of prayer that’s so vital for ministry boards?

As one idea starter, allow me to share a little behind-the-scenes from a recent experience with ECFA’s own board... 

As our board prepared to meet a few weeks ago, we had several significant topics on the agenda, so we had asked everyone individually to come “prayed up” for these discussions. As the board meeting kicked off after the opening devotions, we also used a very practical tool as a group to help cultivate a spirit of prayer at that meeting. 

Are you ready for it? It’s called “A Board Prayer” and was written by our friend, Dan Bolin.

Now – full disclosure – this happens to be published in ECFA’s Lessons From The Nonprofit Boardroom. But you know what? It is so powerful and impactful that even if it weren't an ECFA published resource, I couldn't recommend it highly enough!

“A Board Prayer” says, 

“Dear God, thank you for calling this ministry into existence and for allowing it to serve and care for the people you love. Father, allow me to report honestly… God, as we approach this meeting, help us to see clearly… Help me to listen objectively… Help me to speak cautiously… Dear God, give the board wisdom to plan wisely… And dear God, help us to remain unified. Amen.” 

Then for each part of that prayer are bullet points with very powerful ways to focus our prayers. 

So, what we did in our meeting – like many other boards using this tool – we went person by person around the room to give each board member an opportunity to lift up one of those prayer points.

It was such a powerful moment to witness!

As each board member read one of these points of prayer, I’ll never forget the nods of agreement, the “amens,” and encouragements of “Wow, that is so good.” The board members were really reflecting and allowing each of these points of prayer to sink deep into our spirits – to challenge us to settle into a place of discernment and seeking the Lord as we entered our meeting. And then as the meeting went on, we kept coming back to these different points of prayer.

The way this exercise brought peace, unity, and focus to our board in this recent meeting was incredibly meaningful. 

As you seek godly wisdom and cultivate a spirit of prayer with your board, I commend “A Board Prayer” to you. I pray that you and the boards you serve will be blessed through it!