The Leader and the Opportunities of Prayer

Not only does prayer keep the leader humble, but through prayer, he is also able to tap the resources of God. Everything does rise and fall on leadership, but first and foremost it's the leadership of God. Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5), and a good leader will always find his direction and power from the Lord. (James 1:5). There are 5 things to consider:

1. Prayer is the connection for the Holy Spirit's anointing for preaching, evangelism and leadership.

2. Prayer is the conduit to the power of God. When Paul described the armor of God in Eph. 6, he finished by saying it is all applied by prayer.

3. Prayer brings answers. All of us should approach prayers expecting God to listen and answer our prayers. When we do it ourselves we often do only what we can do (if that much). When we pray we open ourselves up to the miraculous.

4. Prayer brings about growth which often manifests itself in change. There are ways that can motivate people to change. However, we ask ourselves, why do we put ourselves through so much planning, procedures, conversations, and work to bring about change in people or an organization? Because change comes hard. Ultimately only God can bring about lasting change. Therefore, prayer is necessary to bring about change and growth.

5. Prayer is the way to personal growth. Communication is vital to growth in any relationship. The leader stays a step in front of his followers by study, work, and prayer.