Prayer

Prayer

MY QUESTION for GOD

What role should prayer play in a leader’s life?

A MOMENT with GOD

As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.

1 Samuel 12:23

Leaders should consistently pray for those they lead.

Moses tried to pacify the Lord his God. “O Lord!” he said. “Why are you so angry with your own people whom you brought from the land of Egypt with such great power and such a strong hand?” . . . So the Lord changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened.

Exodus 32:11, 14

Leaders should pray for the Lord’s mercy upon their people. This does not mean they shouldn’t confront the people’s sin, however. Moses’ intercession saved the disobedient Israelites from the punishment of God’s wrath.

Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire community of Israel. He lifted his hands toward heaven, and he prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.”

1 Kings 8:22-23

Leaders should not be afraid to pray in public. It reminds their people that they can depend on the promises and power of God.

Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help. Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! . . . We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

2 Chronicles 20:3-6, 12

Leaders should pray when they don’t know exactly what to do or when they don’t have the resources they need to handle a situation or a crisis.

[Jesus said,] “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:31-32

Leaders should pray for the spiritual strength and well-being of those they lead.

We have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom.

Colossians 1:9

Leaders should pray for the spiritual growth and maturity of those they lead.

DIVINE PROMISE

THE LORD IS CLOSE TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM, YES, TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM IN TRUTH.

Psalm 145:18