Welcome to the Influence Podcast! I’m George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host.

Joe Oden writes the following in his new book, Empowered to Pray:

In an hour when many leaders are fixated on numerical growth, how to accommodate and make seekers feel comfortable, leadership strategies, higher education, and enhanced communications, we observe that well-intended leaders are trying to advance the kingdom of God in their own strength. However, when we look at the ministry of Jesus and the early church, we find a different path forward. … Their foundation was prayer, and everything they did originated from their private and corporate devotions.

In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I talk to Oden about the importance of prayer for Christian ministry, as well how the Lord himself teaches us to pray. Oden is an evangelist, ordained Assemblies of God minister, and director of the AG World Prayer Center. He is also author of Empowered to Pray: Advancing the Kingdom of God Through Prayer and Intercession, published by Gospel Publishing House.

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Show Notes

• 00:00 — Introduction and Sponsor Ad
• 02:32 — Tell us more about how private and corporate prayer are the foundation of Christian ministry.
• 07:23 — Does prayer compete with leadership strategies, or are they complementary?
• 10:52 — Why does prayer need a set place, a specific time, and ample time?
• 14:18 — Why are both “crisis” moments and “process” habits important?
• 21:09 — What is intimacy with God, and how do we develop it?
• 24:03 — What does God want? And when does it come to pass?
• 28:32 — How does God’s kingdom advance through the Church, irrespective of law and politics?
• 34:48 — How does Jesus teach us to pray with persistence?
• 40:33 — What does the Assemblies of god World Prayer Center do, and how can someone get involved with it?
• 42:51 — What are you reading right now that is interesting, helpful, and/or personally challenging?
• 44:49 — Conclusion