Personal Leadership with Christine Caine and Propel WomenSample

Prayer Life 

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

Every day you have the opportunity to tap into God’s power and build a relationship with Him through prayer. You can’t schedule a networking lunch with God, but you can talk to Him while you eat your lunch. You can’t invite Him to speak at your board meeting, but you can ask and listen for His wisdom while you plan your day. He is present at every moment looking to hear from you about everything at any time. If we learn to go to Him in prayer, we will see so many breakthroughs in life and in leadership. 

Did you know there’s actually a study guide for prayer? The disciples who followed Jesus had as many questions about prayer as we do.  They asked Him how they should pray and His answer is one of the most well-known passages of Scripture, The Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus prays, “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” In these few sentences, Jesus teaches: 

• Prayer means talking to a Father who loves us; 
• We should praise and honor Him when we pray; 
• We should pray for the things He wants for our world and for our lives, not only what we want; 
• We can ask for our needs to be met; 
• We can ask for forgiveness, but must also stand ready to forgive others; and,
• God wants to help us face difficult situations. 

If you’re unsure how to start, try using one or two of these “talking points.” Rest easy, you don’t have to have the perfect words!  The power of prayer is not in the one who prays, but in the One who hears.  God is listening! 

Reflect: In your own words, pray today using the Lord’s Prayer as a guide. 

Adapted from Personal Leadership Conversation Series by Propel Women. Reprinted with permission of Propel Women Women. All rights reserved.