Tag: Prayer

Scheduled Events

We have various ways to remind us of events we don’t want to miss, from sticky notes to Google calendar.

Spiritually, there are events we should not miss.

Where does our gathering with Christians rank in our priorities?
Where does time in prayer and study rank?
Where do family devotionals fit?

These events are matters of choice, and we either make them a priority or not.

There is an event scheduled we will all attend, a Lord appointed a day.

We should make preparing for it a priority. As Christians, we should eagerly anticipate it. This is a day we do not want to miss!

A Wing and a Prayer

This phrase originated with the WWII patriotic song Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer, by Harold Adamson and Jimmie McHugh (1942). The song tells of a damaged warplane barely able to limp back to base.

Prayer is a vital part of our spiritual leadership, but our approach to leadership cannot succeed by barely limping along.

Our leadership is about the hope Christ provided at the cross. We have prepared ourselves through trust and obedience to a gracious God who provided a plan to save us from sin.

When we understand our leadership is focused on this kind of hope, we are not leading by a wing and a prayer. We are leading by faith!

Praying Shepherds

Shepherding begins at the feet of the great Shepherd, Jesus.

Prayer cannot be overstated. James writes about the power of a prayer fervently rendered to our God. In the context, he specifically identifies elders as those who are to be called when anyone is sick.

Much debate has taken place related to the physical versus spiritual sickness discussed. Regardless of how you defend your thoughts on the matter, the main thrust of this text is about prayer and the power of faith that can impact one who is suffering.

James concludes by saying, “The fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas. 5:16).

We need good shepherds.

A Righteous Leader’s Prayer

Prayer can be an overlooked subject. The application to how we draw closer to God, grow spiritually, or endure trials is often to pray more.

What is prayer? How should we pray? Why do we pray? Does prayer really influence God?

Think about how James teaches the necessity of prayer in leadership.

Three keys to spiritual leadership rise to the top.

1) Elders are identified as righteous men who are to pray.
2) The working prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
3) Turning sinners from their error will save them.

Leading people to salvation must be at the heart of a righteous leaders’ prayer.

Minimizing Negativity

We cannot completely avoid negativity. Sadly, we are surrounded by it. We often face so much negativity it is difficult to see much positive.

Since, we cannot avoid negativity, what can we do to limit its influence, or put a positive spin on it?

First, prayer is where it all starts. God promises to answer, so why not begin at His throne.

Second, focus on spending time with people who are positive.

Third, the material we read and the messages we hear need to ring with optimism. Turning off the television is a positive beginning point.

Fourth, commit to saying at least five positive things every day.

Practical Leadership

The word practical is based in and comes from the word practice. Practice not only indicates an activity that is to be accomplished, it also involves a discipline of continuing to work on the activity to improve the quality of the product or result.

Consider how this idea changes the involvement of those who follow when there is a practical approach to the programs implemented to reach goals.

Leaders are needed who think, act, and lead practically.

Discipline must follow.

Followers are needed who know how to practically apply this leadership.

Several spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, fasting, etc.) promote a practical approach for developing godly leaders.

A Gentle Leader

Gentleness is opposed by those who foster aggression, self-promotion, and who aspire to positions of power.

Three thoughts help create gentleness in our lives: altering our posture through prayer, learning to yield, and spending time with those of “no account.”

Kneeling in prayer and speaking to God about those who have wronged or angered us increases the difficulty of speaking harshly to them.

Humility takes pride out of the picture when we demonstrate a willingness to yield our will to that of someone else.

The spirit of hospitality reaches out to those who do not have status or a position of power in the eyes of the world.

Prayer

Nothing is more foundational. We must pray for guidance and ask God to help us equip next generation leaders.

Read the accounts in the Old Testament where Joshua and Israel marched into Canaan. Every time they did not seek prior counsel with God, consequences were incurred.

If we feel we can rely on the past, some form of “wingin’ it,” or a laissez faire approach in our efforts, we are already defeated.

Think seriously about the nature of the situation and start praying now about how we can take the next step to achieve our God-given purpose.

Prayerful Communication

A key characteristic of spiritual leaders is prayer. The avenue of prayer is significant to leaders for a couple of reasons.

First, leaders understand the need to communicate with the One who is in control of all things. To have an audience with God yields the greatest power in every situation.

Second, understanding how communication works with God also helps leaders understand the need for effective communication with others. In leadership, others need to know their voice is heard.

Communication is a noteworthy subject in every relationship. It applies not only to leaders, but everyone.

When leaders effectively communicate, issues are resolved more quickly and progress results.

A Daily Prayer

As spiritual leaders, to become what we need to be we must remember three key thoughts.

1) God is the primary mover who shapes and develops our influence as leaders.

2) His word is the tool by which we understand the components involved in the process.

3) Our open and submissive heart benefits us as God fills us and His Word guides us.

Our daily prayer needs to include a request that God help us have the vision to see who He wants us to be, to make us who we need to be, and to never be content with remaining where we are.