Seasons of prayer for the church leader are imperative to the health of his or her spiritual life. Seasons of prayer for the church leader are essential for the health of his or her ministry to others. But seasons of prayer alone are not sufficient. These seasons must be extended into an attitude of prayer.
This attitude of prayer can be defined as a continued line of communication between the church leader and God. It is conversation throughout the day within one’s Spirit for the purpose of ongoing fellowship with the master. It is an awareness of God’s presence with the church leader at all times. It is the constant listening to the quiet nudges of the Holy Spirit as decisions are made, conversations are engaged in, and conflicts are resolved.
The apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray continually, thus making this a command to obey, not simply a good idea to contemplate. Why?
- Prayer is a spiritual weapon that fights off the evil one.
- Prayer is where we get direction from God.
- Prayer is where we get clean before God
- Prayer is where we make requests of God.
- Prayer is where you intercede for your people.
“In nothing should the leader be ahead of his followers more than in the realm of prayer.”
Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, p.103