There is nothing greater than the power of prayers for the growth and health of your church. Your leadership matters, but God's presence makes all the difference. It's the combination of the two that brings incredible results.

It matters who prays. Your prayers as a leader truly matter for the church you lead. You carry a certain passion and heaven ordained responsibility that no one else does. Whether you are a small group leader or the senior pastor, your prayers over those you lead are vital.

There are certain people I love to hear pray. Not only am I inspired, but I learn their heart as a leader. You can hear the heart of the one who wrote this Psalm.

"O Lord God of Hosts, hear my prayer, and give ear, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give favor and glory, for no good thing will He withhold from the one who walks uprightly. O Lord of Hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You" (Psalm 84:8-12, MEV).

'Hear My Prayer'—'Listen to Me'

You can sense the plea of passion! Isn't this at the core of how we pray? We want God to hear our prayers and we want to hear His response. This is the beauty of communion with God. It is the blessing of being in relationship with the Father. What an incredible gift to receive daily guidance and wisdom in order to lead!

'Look With Favor'

We constantly seek the Lord's favor, His presence and power for our leadership so that His Kingdom may be advanced! Praise and worship is carried in the acknowledgement of who God is as "Almighty" and "sun and shield."

'I Would Rather Be a Doorkeeper ....'

You can hear the servant heart of gratitude. It's so important that we remember our leadership was granted to us and that being a servant leader is a great privilege.

'No Good Thing Does He Withhold From Those Whose Walk is Blameless.'

You can sense the trust and faith in this prayer.

'Blessed is the Man Who Trusts You.'

We are required to live a life of integrity and trust in God!

The prayers of a church leader come in many forms:

• Prayers for Vision
• Prayers for Faith
• Prayers for Wisdom
• Prayers for Favor
• Prayers for Healing
• Prayers for Redemption

God hears all our prayers and responds. You and I can tap into the real power our church needs to take new territory. Prayer is not a new idea to you, but perhaps God is inviting you to lean in more.

Dan Reiland is the executive pastor at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He previously partnered with John Maxwell for 20 years, first as executive pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, then as vice president of leadership and church development at INJOY.

For the original article, visit danreiland.com.

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