On Friday May 13th I had the privilege of leading the opening prayer at the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce of Essex County (HACCEC) 2011 Gala Event.  The HACCEC serves as an advocate for the Hispanic community, but its mission includes promoting economic growth and development among minority owned businesses. The president, Mr. John Sanchez, owner of Emergency Pest Control, Inc., is actually my wife’s boss. Knowing that I am the Associate Pastor at River of Life AG he asked if I would lead the prayer. I agreed wholeheartedly.

 Although my presence there was very short lived due to my commitment to another event that evening I used the few minutes I was given to encourage a group of approximately 80 business owners. As a minister and former entrepreneur myself I shared the importance of faith in our life's endeavors, including business. In my prayer I asked God to grant heavenly wisdom as the group came together to discuss business matters. I also asked that we would all be reminded that true success is measured not by how much we gain materially, for these things are temporary, but by gaining a reputation of integrity and honor in our personal and business life because these last a lifetime. The prayer also encouraged everyone present to work hard, not to give up in spite of the setbacks, to keep learning about the dynamics of marketing, to strive for excellence, but most importantly to seek God’s guidance in every plan they make.

The following day I received a phone call from Mr. Sanchez. He thanked me for blessing the meeting and the food, which he considered to be “the most beautiful prayer he has ever heard.” I thank him for the opportunity he gave me and told him that such a prayer stems from a heart that understands the important part God plays in our lives, a kind of prayer that each and every one of us can utter if we take the time to know Him and include him in everything we do.

 The prayer I said at the HACCEC 2011 Gala Event I also pray for every business owner who reads this post.