The power of prayer in leadership
Everybody's a leader these days. On social media, "leadership gurus" abound. Simply say you're a leader—and you are. You don't have to actually lead anyone. But do people on social media with all of their followers actually have power? In most cases, the answer is no.
Do you want to know who has power? The busy church elder who calls me out of nowhere, asks me if I’m “at my office” (we both know which Starbucks that means), and then says he’s five minutes away and wondering if he can stop by. He then stops by for maybe seven minutes. On his agenda: say hi, ask about my week and pray with me. That is power. That is influence.
President Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” The world tends to define power as telling others what to do, being in a position of authority, or trying to get people to do what you want. Power in Scripture is not one dimensional. Power can come from our words and by gaining wisdom.
Biblical leadership understands the power of words. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” You have an effect on the people you lead with words of love, hate, tearing down or building up. Try saying the right words with the wrong tone at your house and demonstrate the importance of words!
Power and prayer must not be separated. Prayer is a major way to stay in tune with God about decisions as a leader. Jesus taught us how to pray. How do I know this? Because Matthew 6:9-13 says, “This, then, is how you should pray...":
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Here’s the Cliff Notes' version of the above passage:
1. Worship: Tell God how great He is. Thank God for who He is and what He’s done for you.
2. Intercession: Interceding for others simply means asking God to exercise His power in the lives of other people.
3. Petition: Since God is our Father, He is our provider. He cares about all our needs, whatever they might be.
4. Repentance: Ask for forgiveness for your sins by admitting them and purposing in your heart (and with God’s help) not to continue committing them.
5. Guidance: Ask God to guide our steps and decisions going forward.
See your leadership role as a platform for prayer. Then, you will have influence.
Photo source: istock
More on Prayer
- Prayer in the workplace (by WorkLife Success)
- But can you heal my boy? (by )
- 4 ideas for enhancing your church’s prayer ministry (by Terry Powell)
- If My People (by Richard Blackaby)
