As I kicked off a new year, I found myself craving something more intentional than a vague prayer of “Lord, bless this year.” I believe deeply that God is in control of my life, my ministry, and every endeavor I put my hands to. If that’s true (and I believe it is), then it only makes sense to sit down with Him and actually talk about it.

So I scheduled a one-hour “Business Meeting” with God.

Not a hustle session or a productivity sprint.

But a sacred, intentional time to listen, reflect, and invite God into both the big-picture vision and the everyday details of my life.

Why a “Business Meeting”?
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In ministry spaces, I’ve done something similar before. I’ve been part of teams that gathered to pray, worship, reflect, and discern together. Those moments were powerful, connecting with one another and with the Lord around shared vision and mission.

What surprised me was how meaningful it was to do this alone.

This time, I wasn’t just bringing ministry needs or leadership goals. I was also able to lay out the personal things: the areas I need to grow, the places I feel stretched, the questions I’m holding, and the tension between calling and capacity. There was freedom to be honest without filtering for anyone else in the room.

It created a framework that felt both grounding and clarifying.

How I Structured the Time
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I didn’t overcomplicate it. I simply set aside one uninterrupted hour.

I started with worship music, Scripture, and reflection on a few passages the Lord had been bringing to mind. I wasn’t rushing to an agenda yet; I wanted to center my heart and remind myself that this meeting was not about me presenting a plan for God to approve, but about surrendering MY plans altogether!

Then I began journaling.

I wrote out my goals for the year in ministry, my podcasts, writing, personal life, and finances. As I wrote, I intentionally asked the Lord to speak. I was seeking Him to speak to my heart and provide clarity, conviction, peace, or pause.

What really stood out most wasn’t just what I should do, but what I should not do!

There were things that clearly needed focus and forward movement, and there were things that needed to be paused, delayed, or laid aside. That clarity alone felt like a weight lifted.

Processing the Noise

One unexpected gift of this meeting was the space it gave me to process everything that’s been spoken to me or over me.

If you’re in ministry or leadership, you know how much input you receive:
Advice.
Sermons.
Podcasts.
Encouragement.
Conferences.
Well-meaning opinions.

All of it can become overwhelming.

This hour gave me permission to bring all of that information to the Lord and say, “Will You sort this?” Instead of reacting to every voice, I could notice what kept rising to the surface and ask how God might be using those themes to speak into specific areas of my life.

What felt heavy became lighter. What felt confusing suddenly became clearer.

Why I’m Making This a Monthly Practice
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I walked away refreshed, not because I had all the answers, but because I had direction. I had clarity about next steps and confidence about what didn’t need my attention right now.

That’s why I’ve decided to make this a monthly rhythm. A standing meeting on my calendar to recalibrate, realign, and remind myself that I don’t have to carry the weight of leadership alone. It forces me to be intentional about my goals and helps me practice turning to the Lord not only in everyday moments, but for the big-picture decisions too.

We pray that way often, but for me, this was so much more focused, embodied way of living that prayer out.

Want to Have Your Own Business Meeting With God?
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This idea was inspired by a couple of friends and a podcast I listen to, and it finally nudged me to set aside the time. I’m so glad I did!

If this resonates with you, I want to share the “Business Meeting With God” worksheet I used to guide you through your own experience. It’s designed to help you structure your time, ask thoughtful questions, and leave space for the Lord to lead. Email me at hello@christenclark.org, and would be happy to send it to you.

Whether you use it to start your year or as a monthly check-in, my prayer is that it helps you let the Lord direct your steps in every season and move forward with clarity, peace, and trust!

Christen Clark is a family ministry expert and speaker with over 20 years of leadership experience equipping parents and church leaders to disciple kids with confidence. Christen is the host of 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents and The Collide Kids Podcast, where she encourages intentional conversations and spiritual growth rooted in God’s Word. She lives in Cumming, Georgia, with her family and their mischievous dog, Arlo.