A note from Kelly King: Just last night I got a quick text from a friend who was speaking at a women’s event. She was running a low grade fever and not feeling her best. It was just hours before the event, and she was praying that the Lord would give her strength and boldness as she encouraged and taught God’s Word. As guest writer Kathy Howard reminds us today—don’t forget to pray for the speaker at your next event. She needs it!
I was nearing the end of the message when I felt the first tickle. I cleared my throat and continued. But the tickle grew more persistent. Someone handed me a glass of water, but the need to cough grew stronger. While a volunteer read a Bible passage, I turned to the wall, hacking loudly behind my hand and praying fervently the coughing fit would quickly end.
The speaker you have scheduled for your next women’s conference or retreat desperately needs your prayers—before and during the event. She may have spiritual struggles, family issues, deadlines—or allergies!
We all know prayer is vital, but we often allow the busyness of those last days to distract us from the event’s primary purpose—the spiritual growth and encouragement of women. Dozens of details press in, and each day we tell ourselves we will “pray later.”
Be purposeful in praying for your speaker. Put it on your to-do list. Ask your team to join you in prayer and help them know how to pray for her.
Here are six specific ways you can pray for your speaker and her ministry to your women:
1. Message Preparation. Your speaker wants the message she prepares to touch hearts and meet the needs of your women. Pray God will give her wisdom and discernment as she studies and prepares (Colossians 1:19).
2. Physical Needs. Pray for your speaker’s health, relationships, travel safety, and even her technology tools. Every area of her life can impact her ministry (Romans 1:9-13).
3. Spiritual Protection. The enemy does not want your speaker’s message to be powerful and effective. Pray that God will “protect [her] from the evil one” (John 17:15).
4. Spiritual Growth. Your speaker is still growing spiritually. Pray she will grow in her knowledge of God and live a life that pleases Him (Ephesians 3:14-19; Colossians 1:10-11).
5. Message Delivery. Your speaker can’t leave life behind when she approaches the front of the room. She may be dealing with a scratchy throat, a rebellious teenager, or a packed schedule. Pray she can deliver God’s message with clarity, boldness, and grace (Colossians 4:4-6, Ephesians 6:19).
6. Message Effectiveness. This is the end game! Pray her message will hit its mark and bear much spiritual fruit (Colossians 1:10).
Don’t forget to let your speaker know you’re praying for her. It’s great encouragement.
A former “cultural Christian,” Bible teacher Kathy Howard now lives an unshakeable faith for life and encourages other women to embrace real, authentic faith. Kathy, who now lives in the Dallas area with her husband and three dogs, has a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary. She is the author of eight books and Bible studies, including 30 Days of Hope When Caring for Aging Parents. Visit her website for spiritual encouragement and free discipleship resources.