Church's Power: Prayer

God's Word informs us that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16), an important truth for church leaders to grab hold of.

Everyone in the Church Has a Part in Accessing the Power of Prayer

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.(James 5:13-16)

A careful reading of the above verses leading up to the part about prayer being powerful and effective shows us that:
  1. All members of the Body are each personally responsible to pray for themselves in times of trouble.
     
  2. Church leaders do have a strategic responsibility to pray for members of the Body.
     
  3. Church leaders and members, alike, have a responsibility to pray for one another.
These truths is significant for leaders because it is too easy to feel like the burden for accomplishing effective ministry lies on their shoulders. As leaders we should therefore work at cultivating a culture of prayer wherein people know that turning to God is the first response, whether that be as individuals, a leadership team, or corporate body.
 
The Steering the Church Toward God's Power Leadership Guide briefly expounds on each of the above points along with its implication for leaders. It also looks at eight other means by which God's power works in and through us.

Practical Outworking of Grace in Our Leadership Tasks & Responsibilities

The Practicum on this site gets practical about the critical nature of prayer in all we do as leaders. Click on links below to learn more.
 

Go To: More Prayer Resources for Church Leaders
 
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