Prayer is essential for effective leadership because every leader, at some point, will find herself in a place of loneliness or a state of a crisis. Everyday will not be a mountain top experience.

However, God being Jehovah Jireh-the Lord our provider-will supply what is needed.

Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.

--Proverbs 16:3

Leaders can often call upon previous experience to move beyond what they may face. Think about Moses at the Red Sea and Esther's season of risking it all to help her people. Think about Joshua. He didn't fight the battle; he fell with his face to the ground in reverence. "I am at your command," Joshua said. "What do you want your servant to do?"

It's true we all face situations in which we must steal away and pray. CEO's, Directors, pastors, lay leaders, and others in leadership are chosen because of their knowledge, experience, and ability. However, their most important skill should be a consistent prayer life.

Prayer is the place where we go to God with our heart and come away with His.

Prayer keeps us humble and gives us direction, courage, and reassurance in all of life--including times when we are called to lead, in good times, and in difficult situations.

This month we come together to pray for leaders. Starting with Stonecroft's Board of directors, President/CEO Geneva Vollrath, international board members, and others.

We will also pray for other CEOs and leaders of Christian ministries and organizations, volunteer leadership, and pastors of our churches. Please join us in this year of Call To Me.