Think on This: Desperation, Leadership, and the Question That Shapes a Nation

Reflections from the National Prayer Committee Conference

January 20–21, 2026 | Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

The International Christian Host Coalition (ICHC) joined prayer leaders from across the nation at the National Prayer Committee (NPC) Conference held January 20–21, 2026, at Liberty University. Under the leadership of Geoff Echart, President, Coordinator, and Facilitator, this gathering invited participants into deep reflection, holy urgency, and a renewed call to continual prayer.

The conference centered around a sobering and catalytic theme:

Think on This.

Desperation: The Catalyst for National Change

Geoff Echart opened with a clarion call to desperation—not as despair, but as the necessary soil from which national transformation grows. Comfort, we were reminded, is one of the most dangerous addictions. It dulls urgency and mutes dependence on God.

Scripture anchored this charge:

“The Lord reigns forever; He has established His throne for judgment.” (Psalm 9:7–10)

God honors desperate prayer. History—and Scripture—testify that revival is born not from convenience, but from hearts crying out for change.

Momentary Afflictions and Eternal Work

Participants were encouraged with a simple but essential directive:

Do not lose heart.

Drawing from II Corinthians 4:17, we were called to remove hidden deceit and secret ways, choosing faithfulness and truth before God. It is in weakness that God produces heaven’s work through earthly vessels.

Like travelers passing through the Valley of Baca, suffering may feel like a valley of weeping—but God turns it into springs (Psalm 84:6). Though sorrow may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30). God, once again, makes our mountains stand strong.

The Weight and Wonder of Leadership

Kathy Branzell shared a powerful reflection on leadership, drawing from her seven years of guiding the National Day of Prayer themes—each one emerging from the Spirit as a divine thread, a string of pearls.

From Teach Me How to Pray to Lift Up the Lord, Light Up the World, and now in 2026:

“Glorify God Among the Nations – Glory Fires, Puri-Fires.”

Her admonition was clear and compelling:

Leadership is not completed by stepping aside into retirement. When the baton is passed, we must remain engaged—fanning the flame of those coming after us. We do not leave the next generation to run alone.

A Great Awakening Remembered—and Rekindled

A defining moment of the conference was the screening of an upcoming film by Sight & Sound Studios on the life of George Whitefield, presented by Katie and Kim Miller alongside Josh Muffrey.

Forced out of England, Whitefield landed on American shores preaching with holy fire. His ministry intersected faith, culture, publishing, law, and family—woven together with the fierce proclamation of the gospel. His cry remains timeless:

“Search my heart… and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Whitefield’s persistent question to Benjamin Franklin—his partner in spreading revival—still echoes today:

“What is the source of your power? What compels you?”

These are questions every generation must answer.

In response, the NPC voted to publicly endorse the film venture, recognizing its importance in reminding a self-sufficient age of the spiritual roots of awakening.

Moving Into 2026

As the NPC moves forward, two questions remain at the forefront:

What is the source of your power?

What compels you?

Motivated by The Life of George Whitefield, the answer must be more than words—it must be lived.

May desperation ignite obedience.

May leadership remain faithful across generations.

May awakening find us ready.

Submitted to and released by the

ICHC Steering Team

Dr. Corinthia Ridgley Boone

National Prayer Committee Member

Founder, International Christian Host Coalition (ICHC)