Preparing for a coaching conversation begins with prayer. Coaching ministry leaders is a spiritual battle and therefore both the coach and the one being coached need the help of 
God. Also remember that if God doesn't show up, not as a divine observer but as an active participant through the work of the Holy Spirit, the coaching is just human effort that can, at best, offer some limited help that may be of no eternal consequence.
A promise of God that can be prayed over every coaching conversation before it begins is guided by this Scriptural command, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5) Pray for wisdom on what coaching questions need to be used. Pray for the one being coached that he or she will have wisdom from God on how to respond and what goals to seek to reach.
Pray for discernment from the Holy Spirit to know how to interpret what your friend is saying and if it is coming from his heart and mind. Ask God to help him or her discern good choices from poor ones, between good options and the best options. Pray that the coaching experience will be a Spirit-led renewing experience of mind and heart according to what is said in Scripture:
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God's will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. (Rom. 12:2 The Passion Translation)
Pray for the ability as a coach and friend to speak the truth in love when needed. (Eph. 4:15, 25) Ask the Lord to help you be truthful in your coaching conversation so that you just don't avoid uncomfortable questions or needed comments, but that you show love by seeking your friend's highest good. There are times in coaching when what's needed most is to guide someone into facing the truth.
Pray for the one you are coaching to have the courage to follow through on the plans that he or she makes in the coaching and action process. It is not uncommon for a ministry leader to lack the courage to face reality or take next steps of faith, and so they may need a coach to help them walk through a difficult decision or situation. Ask God to help you recognize the need so you can be used by the Spirit of God to help your friend through coaching to hear and act on the words heard by Joshua, one of Israel's greatest ministry champions: "be strong and courageous." (Josh. 1:6,7,9,18)
Pray for the ability to focus your undivided attention on the person or team that you are about to coach. This is so important to maintaining a healthy coaching relationship. You will need God's help in resisting and avoiding the distractions that might come your way during a coaching session. The same is true of the one you might be coaching.
If you are about to meet with a friend or a team that needs good coaching, try praying a prayer that I have used many times before meeting with others: "Lord, help me to be a Barnabas today." It's short and sweet, but it expresses a desire to be like the New Testament ministry champion and partner in ministry with the Apostle Paul, Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement. God has honored that prayer in many ways over the course of my ministry.
Develop your own prayer guide to use before each coaching conversation you have. Keep it handy. Notice when the Lord obviously answers your prayers and thank him for his works and ways.
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