Contact: Dana Simons, National Prayer Committee, 877-896-6901

TERRE HAUTE, Indiana, Oct. 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to an outpouring from seminaries and churches alike, America's National Prayer Committee announced today that it has launched a new project in order to distribute the groundbreaking book Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry and other prayer resources to clergy at no cost to them.

"In uncertain economic times, when fear becomes commonplace, prayer moves to center stage and we want to be sure our pastors are ready to help deepen and strengthen the practice of prayer in our churches," said Mrs. Dana Simons, Executive Director of the Praying Pastors Project. "Most people think prayer is just something our religious leaders instinctively know how to practice and teach, but they often feel ill-equipped to disciple others in prayer," she continued. "This project is designed to provide the newest prayer resources available in seminaries to those who are facing the daily challenges of leading others to pray more fervently and effectively," she concluded.

The Praying Pastors Project will create a community based advertising program designed to raise funds from donors and Christian businesses in order to underwrite the costs of getting important prayer resources to all the pastors in the United States. In 2006, the National Prayer Committee commissioned a taskforce to develop a comprehensive textbook on prayer. Compiled by Dr. Dan Crawford, this newly released 592-page book was written by 80 different professors and national prayer leaders. The content covers both personal prayer issues and concepts on how to grow prayer in a church.

"It is hard to explain just how monumental the announcement of this project is. This has been a book years in the making. Nearly every leader in the prayer movement has contributed writings to this resource. It is truly phenomenal to see the barriers come down with Christ's appointed men and women united in one voice to direct God's people", said John Bornschein, Sr. Director, National Day of Prayer Task Force.

"The key to our success will be people who are willing to become community coordinators or who are able to sponsor a pastor in their local community", said Mrs. Simons. "By working together with the National Day of Prayer Task Force and other NPC ministry partners, we believe we will be able to get this book into the hands of every pastor in our nation. People can join in this effort by visiting www.prayingpastors.com."