Tag: Prayer

Leaders and Prayer…

One of the great thoughts of scripture, and certainly needed in leadership, is the confidence of God answering prayers.

David writes, “On the day I called, you answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.”

How can we have the confidence today?

1) In keeping with God’s will (James 4:15; 1 John 5:14).
2) In faith (Matthew 21:22; James 1:5-8).
3) With persistence (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
4) Without anxiety and with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)
5) By devotion (Colossians 4:2).

The list continues throughout the Bible and, of all people, leaders must demonstrate they are people of prayer.

A Refuge for Leaders…

God is our strength and refuge. As such, He is an ever present help when we face trouble.

When the trouble is one of loss: a friend, family member, position, possession, or health, God is our help, but where does this help come from?

From His word. Throughout scripture we find strength, comfort and guidance.
Through prayer. Scripture instructs us to cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares.
From others. One of the best ways leadership is demonstrated is helping those in need.

We receive a great peace from God when we apply these areas during times of trouble.

Unscriptural or Uncomfortable…

A thin line exists between the two and leaders are challenged to recognize the difference. How?

Know the book. When knowledge of God’s word is weak, leaders will not know if something is Biblical or not.

Seek wisdom through prayer. This is not a prayer before a meeting, but a “without ceasing” approach to seek God’s guidance.

Ask the right questions. Asking why we do something opens a door to greater understanding.

Be patient. Decisions should rarely be made in one meeting. Give it time, but be careful not to procrastinate.

A few steps will help us determine the difference in what is unscriptural versus uncomfortable.

Leadership Preparation…

Preparation today makes a difference tomorrow.

What are we preparing for today?

1) God’s guidance in seeking the right priorities.
2) Focus on what is important, not urgent.
3) Trust that if tomorrow doesn’t arrive, we accomplished what matters most.
4) Never miss an opportunity to tell someone, “I love you.”
5) Do something nice for someone who will never find out.
6) Be the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
7) Close the day with prayer giving thanks for the good and bad.

These are a few ideas, but regardless of what happens, if we follow them we will live a full life.

Role of the Shepherd…#5

One of the most significant statements relating to the role of the shepherd is the third. Jesus says, “I pray for them.”

While shepherds carry numerous responsibilities, this one is key. The value of shepherds who pray for their sheep by name cannot be overstated.

As I have met with numerous shepherds across the country, I am encouraged to learn about those who spend hours of time praying for the sheep. They mention them by name and make specific requests on their behalf.

Another common practice is a “Shepherd’s Prayer” after the lesson is presented. May more shepherds realize the essential nature of this role.

Prayerful Leadership…

Prayer is a given when it comes to spiritual leadership. We know about prayer. We study about prayer. We talk about prayer. We teach about prayer.

However, do we believe in the power of prayer?

The struggle for many is the temptation to doubt when trials arise to challenge our faith in God’s power to answer…yet again.

When it comes to prayer, there is no magic formula, special words, proper position, or time of day that makes a difference.

Prayer is about the simplicity of a humble heart that trusts God.

We may not always understand, but praying without ceasing is foundational to powerful leadership.

Decisive Leaders…

Life is filled with making decisions. The multiplicity of options makes the process challenging.

Leaders know that decisions change the course of their own lives, but also the lives of those who follow.

Here are a few ideas to help.

Pray for help, strength, and guidance in this decision.
Remember, indecision is a decision.
Investigate all possible consequences to the decision.
Do not always take the “easiest” course of action.
Give complete dedication to the decision.
Always think about the motive behind the decision.

A few steps can provide greater confidence in our decisions.

Right Decision, Right Time…

When leaders face decisions, it is critical to ask, “Is this the right time?”

Leaders have struggled with the results of making the right decision at the wrong time. The key is learning to make the right decision at the right time.

How do we learn this art?

Start with prayer. Consult the One who knows the past, present and future.

Counsel the wisdom of others. Seek advice from those who experienced similar decisions.

Admit wrong decisions. Never deny, ignore, or blame others for wrong decisions.

Timing can make or break a leader. Taking the right path improves our timing.

Helping Our Leadership…

What is it that gets us up and going in the mornings? Is it coffee? Exercise? Regardless, we all have times we need a little help.

Start the day with the Lord in prayer. Nothing helps more than pouring our hearts out to the heavenly Father. Speak from the heart and know He is listening. 

Follow up with reading the Word. David needed a pick-me-up, and he expresses how God’s word was the meditation of his heart. The same is true for us.

Provide someone else with a hand up. Few activities lift the spirit more than helping others. If we open our eyes and look, opportunities abound. Doing so lifts our own spirits.