How leaders can grow to facilitate sincere and passionate prayer

Christian leaders should not only lead people into the purposes of God, but more importantly lead people into a deeper relationship with God. For this they should grow in the skill of facilitating communion with God, from a rich, personal relationship with God.

In this inspiration video session Danelle Esterhuizen shares practically how a leader can grow in personal times of prayer, and how to facilitate meaningful communion with God in small groups.

Scripture

Matthew 6:9-13

9  Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10  Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11  Give us this day our daily bread, 12  and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Observations and Prayer

Follow Jesus model prayer and pray in your own words – line by line – as he taught the principles of prayer to his disciples.

1. Person: Pray to God the Father, with sincerity and confidence, knowing He is your Dad
   1. Start by praising Him for Who He is. Take some time giving thanks and remind yourself how big, and powerful, yet personal and loving God is.
2. Purpose: pray for God’s Kingdom to come, his will to be done.
   1. Start by submitting your will and your day to him – invite Him to reign in every area of your life.
   2. Pray for your family, workplace and neighborhood, and pray for God’s Kingdom of “righteousness, peace and joy” (Romans 14:17) to manifest in it.
3. Provision: Ask God for all your needs
   1. Thanks God for all the blessings he richly gives to you.
   2. Then bring your needs to God with faith and confidence.
4. Pardon: Ask the Lord “to search me and know me” (Psalm 139:23), to reveal any sin and unforgiveness in your heart.
   1. Confess your sins and shortcomings to the Lord, asking and thanking him for forgiveness.
   2. Forgive those who have wronged you “form your heart” (Matthew 18:35), and bless them.
5. Protection: Pray God’s protection over you, your family and your city today.
   1. Acknowledge your vulnerability and fallibility to God and ask Him for grace to keep you from giving in to temptation and deception.

Application

1. At your next fellowship or prayer meeting lead the small group to pray in this manner.