How to Pray for Your Business

As a Christian entrepreneur, have you ever sat down and intentionally prayed for your business? Do you know how to pray for your business in a way that aligns with God’s will? Many entrepreneurs struggle with this because, at first glance, the Bible doesn’t seem to mention entrepreneurship much. However, when we dive deeper into Scripture, we find countless principles and stories that provide wisdom for business and leadership.

One of the most powerful prayers in the Bible comes from Nehemiah, a leader who trusted God for guidance, provision, and success. By studying his prayer, we can develop a prayer strategy for our business that is biblically sound and effective. This article will break down Nehemiah’s prayer, introduce the P.R.R.A.Y. Method, and teach you how to apply this approach to praying for your business.

Who Was Nehemiah?

Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the mid-5th century B.C. He served as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, a position of great trust and influence. Upon hearing that Jerusalem’s walls were in ruins and that his people were in distress, Nehemiah was deeply burdened. He wept, fasted, and sought God’s guidance before taking any action. His story is a powerful example of how faith, leadership, and strategic planning work together.

As Christian entrepreneurs, we should follow Nehemiah’s example by seeking God in every aspect of our business. He did not act impulsively but first humbled himself before God, acknowledging His sovereignty. Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:5-11 is an excellent blueprint for how to pray for success, favor, and guidance in our entrepreneurial journey.

Nehemiah’s Prayer (Nehemiah 1:5-11)

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.

I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

The P.R.R.A.Y. Method: A Framework for Praying Over Your Business

By analyzing Nehemiah’s prayer, we can see a clear structure that can be applied to business prayer. This structure is known as the P.R.R.A.Y. Method, an acronym for:

• Praise

• Repent

• Remember

• Ask

• Yield

Let’s break down each component and apply it to our business prayer strategy.

1. Praise

Nehemiah begins his prayer by acknowledging God’s greatness:

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments.”

When praying for your business, always start with praise. Recognizing God’s sovereignty reminds us that He is in control of our success and challenges. Gratitude shifts our focus from our struggles to His power and faithfulness.

Business Prayer: “Father, I praise You for who You are—great, mighty, and faithful. You are the source of all wisdom, provision, and success. I thank You for the business You have entrusted to me and for the opportunities You have placed in my path.”

2. Repent

Nehemiah repents not just for his own sins but for the sins of his people:

“I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.”

As entrepreneurs, we must examine our hearts and business practices. Have we operated with integrity? Have we compared ourselves to others or doubted God’s provision? Have we failed to steward our resources well? Repentance clears our hearts and aligns us with God’s will.

Business Prayer: “Lord, I repent of any actions, attitudes, or thoughts that have not honored You. Forgive me for times I have lacked faith, sought success apart from You, or allowed jealousy and fear to take root. Cleanse my heart and help me run my business with integrity and trust in You.”

3. Remember

Nehemiah recalls God’s promises:

“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses…”

God has spoken promises over your life and business. Reflect on times He has provided for you, guided you, or confirmed your calling. When you remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness, you cultivate faith for the future.

Business Prayer: “Lord, I remember Your faithfulness. You have guided me before, and I trust You will continue to lead me. Your Word promises that when I commit my work to You, You will establish my plans. Help me to stand on Your promises.”

4. Ask

Nehemiah boldly asks for success:

“Give your servant success today by granting him favor.”

Many Christian entrepreneurs hesitate to ask God for success, fearing it is selfish. However, if your business glorifies God and serves others, you should confidently ask for favor, provision, and impact.

Business Prayer: “Lord, I ask for wisdom, favor, and success in my business. Open doors that no man can shut. Provide the resources, clients, and opportunities needed to grow and make a kingdom impact.”

5. Yield

Yielding means surrendering your business to God’s will. Nehemiah surrendered his plans to God’s purpose. Trusting in God’s plan requires faith, patience, and obedience.

Business Prayer: “Father, I yield my business to You. Your plans are greater than mine. Align my heart with Your will, and guide my steps. I trust that Your way is best, and I surrender my business into Your hands.”

Final Thoughts

Praying for your business is more than just asking for success—it’s about partnering with God. By using the P.R.R.A.Y. Method, you align your business with His will, invite His guidance, and position yourself for supernatural favor.

Make prayer a daily habit in your business, and trust that God is working behind the scenes. Remember, your business is a ministry, and through it, you can bring glory to God and impact lives.

Are you ready to pray boldly over your business? Start today! 

External Links:

• Faith Driven Entrepreneur - For Christian entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses with faith, this organization provides resources, advice, and a supportive community. (External Link)

• The Center for Faith and Work - Explore how your faith can influence your business decisions and leadership. This center offers insights on integrating faith and work.

• Bible Gateway

  A popular online Bible resource for accessing different versions of Scripture and understanding God’s word in depth. (External Link)