Where Prayer Takes Our Strategic Planning

Praying is critical from start to finish because of where prayer takes our strategic planning. We need to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17) throughout the entire process. As we devote ourselves to prayer (Col. 4:2) each step of the way, we’re acknowledging that this is His Church, not ours. It’s about following His purposes, not pursuing our own interests.

Praying prepares our heart for the planning process.

• Prayer leads us to the right priorities as it focuses our hearts on that which counts for eternity. (Matt. 6:33; Col. 3:1-2)
• As we pray, God, who searches the heart, will reveal if our motivations or attitudes are off, which can skew the plans we make. (Ps. 139:23-24; Prov. 16:1-3)
• Praying about our planning efforts tends to bring about the right attitudes and perspective we need even when it gets stressful or difficult. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Prayer helps us align our plans with His plans.

• Through prayer, we align with God and His ways rather than that of the world or the latest fad. (Ps. 25:4-5; Rom. 12:1-20)
• As we acknowledge God in all our ways, trusting Him, He gets us on the right path. (Prov. 3:5-6)
• When we pray, God not only shows us His will but also provides for it to happen, going before us and opening doors. (Prov. 16:3; Col. 4:3-4; 1 Jn. 5:14-15)

Devotion to prayer takes our strategic planning where we wouldn’t tend to arrive on our own.

• Praying helps us make the most of every opportunity as we receive the wisdom He promises to those who ask. (Eph. 5:15-17; Col. 4:2-5; James 1:5)
• We arrive at what’s best when we look to God since His thoughts and ways are higher and better than ours’s. (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:9; Phil. 1:9-10)

More: Prayer Resources for Church Leaders

All Posts about Strategic Planning:

• Strategic Planning Biblically Defined
• At the Core of Strategic Planning
• Trust God Yet Consult with Others?
• Outcome of Strategic Planning
• A Christ-like Pattern for Strategic Planning
• A Christ-like Perspective in Strategic Planning
• Power Struggles in Planning
• God’s Big Strategic Plan
• More Lessons about Strategic Planning from the Gospel
• Where Prayer Takes Our Strategic Planning
• Where the Holy Spirit Takes Our Strategic Planning
• Help in Forming a Strategic Planning Team
• Test Plans Against God’s Word
• How the Resurrection Affects Strategic Planning
• Strategic Planning That’s Not Rooted in Pride
• Leader Qualities that Positively Affect Strategic Planning
• Lies That Thwart Spiritually Successful Strategic Planning