My Christmas plans seemed doable. A hay wagon caroling party for our church. A gift-exchange dinner with friends. A speaking event for a women’s ministries brunch. A handful of songs on my stand-up bass for the Christmas Eve service. And our family of twenty for a week of food and fun.
But as the calendar turned, my stress levels escalated as I tried to make each event perfect and memorable. In the years since then I have found that the greatest gift I can give others—prayer—is also one that keeps on giving . . . not only to them but also to me. As we surround the days ahead in prayer, we will find this spiritual gift has a lasting impact.r
Prayer Gives Us the Gift of God’s Nearness
When women feel stretched thin by ministry demands, prayer brings them back into the presence of the God who is never far. Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is near to all who call on him” (Psalm 145:18 NIV). Prayer isn’t just a discipline—it’s an open invitation into God’s nearness. For leaders God’s nearness renews strength, softens stress, and re-centers their calling.
It’s ironic that the Christmas season—which is supposed to draw us closer to God—often makes us feel isolated and lonely. One year one of my kids chewed me out: “You care more about what the house looks like than the reason for the season.” While I may not have agreed with her at that moment, when I prayed that evening, I realized she was right.
Leader takeaway—
Before you pour out for others, pause and breathe in God’s presence. Prayer grounds your leadership in intimacy, not intensity.
Prayer Gives Us the Gift of Perspective
Ministry carries moments that can feel overwhelming—team dynamics, relational tensions, event planning pressures, emotional exhaustion. Prayer lifts our eyes. Jeremiah prayed, “Ah, Sovereign Lord . . . Nothing is too hard for you!” (Jeremiah 32:17 NIV). When leaders look up, burdens shrink, clarity grows, and decisions align with God’s wisdom rather than urgency.
I led a prayer partners ministry for many years for prayer Sunday mornings over church leaders prior to our services. A few years ago, God gave me a taste of what worship team members give for the sake of leading us. I play a little stand-up bass, and that year the music minister wanted that sound for the three Christmas Eve services. With travel, set-up, and practice, plus the full day of serving, I learned what a sacrifice the others regularly give. So I now pray with greater insight for our worship leader and the team.
Leader takeaway—
When challenges loom large, let prayer remind you that God is larger still. Perspective is one of prayer’s most stabilizing gifts.
Prayer Gives Us the Gift of Peace in the Middle of Pressure
Paul links prayer directly to supernatural peace: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer . . . present your requests to God. And the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and your minds” (Philippians 4:6–7 NIV). We notice from these verses that peace is found not in the absence of problems but with the guarding presence of God. The world will pour chaos all over us, whereas God alone is the peace-giver.
As someone who has organized and led community prayerwalks, I know the uncertainty of how many will show up can frazzle me. One year we barely had enough folks to cover the six planned areas. But this year I put that concern in the Lord’s hands, and peace rested on me that whole day.
Leader takeaway—
As you carry the emotional load of your ministry, pray not only for solutions but also for peace to reign in your heart and ministry spaces.
Prayer Gives Us the Gift of Partnership with God in His Work
Prayer is not a passive practice—it is participation. Jesus told us, “Ask the Lord of the harvest . . . to send out workers” (Matthew 9:38 NIV). Prayer moves the mission forward.
One fall season I strongly felt the women of our church would love a Christmas brunch event, but as I prayed over a to-do list, I realized I did not have the bandwidth to organize it. So I gave it up in prayer to the Lord, and sure enough, a gifted organizer, Michelle, stepped forward and created a beautiful event.
For women’s ministry leaders, prayer is the eternal work behind every earthly effort—changing lives, softening hearts, opening doors, shaping events, and drawing women to Christ.
Leader takeaway—
Don’t see prayer as the support work—see it as the spiritual forefront of your ministry. What you cover in prayer, God covers with power.
Janet Holm McHenry is an inspirational speaker and the author of 27 traditionally published books—eight on prayer, including the bestselling PrayerWalk, Praying Personalities and Looking Up! Finding Joy as You Read and Pray Through the Bible. Janet serves on the California leadership team for the National Day of Prayer and leads the prayer ministries at The Bridge Church in Reno. She and her cattle rancher husband, Craig, live in the Sierra Valley in northern California, where they raised their four kids and where she taught high school English.
You can connect with Janet on social media or at JanetMcHenry.com.
