The most productive tool for your life and leadership
Leaders strive for productivity. It is an essential part of our DNA. This drive for productivity is the reason so many successful books have been written on it. Productivity drives us to use checklists and notebooks and calendars to keep ourselves on track and moving forward.
As leaders, productivity is (or should be) a given. We all have so much to do and so much more to do, can we afford to be unproductive?
One thing I wrestle with regarding this productivity mindset is when it shows up in my spiritual life.
Prayer is one of those spiritual habits that can feel unproductive at face value. It can feel like the passive tool in our spiritual growth or the last thing that happens if there is enough time leftover. However, prayer is actually the most effective tool for our life and leadership, and I am working on putting this into practice. This is the most effective tool to grow spiritually, to lead and to minister to others.
Here are three things prayer does for your life and leadership:
Prayer provides the foundation for your life and leadership
A life that is founded on anything other than a personal, growing relationship with God will fail. Prayer must be the foundation of leadership and ministry, from your professional to your personal life.
Prayer unites our heart and our affections with God. It is through this prayer relationship with God that He reveals His plan and purpose for our lives. Prayer provides the foundation for decisions moving forward in career and family life. A life absent of prayer will be a life absent of the power of God. Don’t miss it.
Prayer keeps your focus firm in the storm and the calm
At times life can feel overwhelming and unmanageable, both at home and at work. Prayer helps us refocus on the Lord. Prayer puts your mind in the proper place and helps you remember God is the one in control. Prayer is a reminder that God is bigger than your storm.
Prayer provides fuel for your day
Quality time spent in prayer can energize and drive your day forward. The more you speak with your Father, the more you become and act like Him. The more time you spend in His presence, the more you will see others the way He does. Then you will be able to speak truth and grace into their lives. Prayer fuels your day with the real energy and strength you need—that which comes from above.
Questions for reflection:
What does your prayer life look like right now? What part does it play in the productivity of your daily work and life load?
How can you pray specifically for your family? Your job? Those directly in your sphere of influence?
What would be different if you spent more time in prayer?
Photo source: istock
 | Ben Marshall is a Pastor at Pathway Church in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He works with teenagers and young adults. He is passionate about leadership and raising up the next generation of biblical leaders. He is a blogger, guitar player and sports enthusiast. Ben currently resides in Beaver Falls with his wife Connie and their two daughters, Aliya and Sophie Learn More » |
More on Spiritual Growth and Soul Care
- The return of glory: rediscovering God’s presence (by David Bowman)
- How great leaders use mid-year check-ins to reset culture, refocus goals, and build momentum (by Jenni Catron)
- Five ways to minimize the impact of a negative person (by Carey Nieuwhof)
- 9 ways great leaders communicate (by Charles Stone)
