Because it sheds light on our decisions, on what should we do, on where we are going. Our own human wisdom is deficient if not backed up by God's Holy Spirit. "The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John14:26).

How often as leaders we find ourselves discussing conferences, organizing activities, planning projects, doing evangelistic meetings! Time passes and we discover that they were fruitless!

The Chaplain of the United States Senate, Richard Halverston, advised that we really don't have any alternatives to prayer. He says, "You can organize until you are exhausted. You can plan, programme and subsidies all your plans. But if you fail to pray it is a waste of time. Prayer is not optional. It is mandatory. Not to pray is to disobey God."

God told us through the prophet Zachariah, "Not by an army, nor by might, but my spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zach 4:6). It is only through prayer that we can receive God's Holy Spirit.

Let me end by giving you some recommendations which I, as a leader, have found them very helpful in my prayer life.

a. Pursue God.
Seek him, thirst for him, enter his presence; practice his presence
during the day; get into the habit of having "spiritual breaks".
"But if you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look
  for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deut 4:29)



b. Have a sincere relationship with Him.
Re-examine yourself. Don't play games or pretend. If your problem
is doubt, then admit it. Admit your fears to Him, admit when you are
afraid or reluctant to proclaim the Gospel.


c. Yield your self-will to God.
"Not my will, but your be done, O God." (Luke 22:42)


d. Expect positive results.
"If you have faith, all things are possible."


e. Rejoice.
In thanking God, be specific, detail your thanks.



f. Pray for revival.
"O Lord, stir the flames of revival"


g. Pray for those Christians in the forefront of evangelization.
Col 4:3 "at the same time, pray for us, too, that God may open a
door to us for the word, to speak of the mystery of Christ, for which
I am in prison."


h. Pray regularly for your colleagues, for specific persons in your
group or community.


i. Pray that the veil be removed from the minds of those who have
no knowledge of Truth.
2 Cor 3:15-16 "....a veil lies over their hearts,  but whenever a
person turns to the Lord the veil is removed."


j. Pray for the government leaders of the world (even those who
prohibit the freedom of Christianity).
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for
kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quit
and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way" (I Tim 2:1,2).


k. Pray for more laborers in God's Kingdom.
"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore
the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
(Mat 9:37-38)