It can be tempting to cut short the prayer time at the beginning of a meeting.  I know in my personal prayer times, I can feel some resentment toward the people I am praying for if I feel like my “important” tasks for the day are being delayed.  So it is with the vital agenda items that await the group; the worry is that the prayer time will just make the meeting adjourn later.

BUT, please remember the One True God for whom the ministry is being conducted, the Creator of the universe who has promised to be with you when you pray, the source of all wisdom and revelation who wants you to get to know Him (not your issues) better.

Just as God promises that you cannot out-give him materially (Luke 6.38), so he promises to give wisdom abundantly if you ask (James 1.5).   If you don’t believe it, keep track of it. 

First, pray for wisdom at the beginning of the meeting.  Go through the agenda, asking for God’s input on the topics.  Concentrate on asking God, and let His thoughts increase your understanding.

Then during the meeting, keep alert to moments when good ideas pop up, sound words are spoken, a new option presents itself.  Jot down the findings and give thanks at the end of the meeting (Colossians 4.2).

If you cannot see answers to your prayers for wisdom, then you probably have a bigger problem than long meetings (see James 1.6-7).