Leadership is … Honestly and seriously praying daily #344

My good friend and trusted business professional opened our church Board meeting with a short, challenging devotion about changing his prayer life. We listened intently while reviewing a few scripture verses. Then, he said that in the past his prayer life seemed to focus on telling God about his issues at home, work, church and community. He had our attention. We could identify. He was describing all of us. In fact the research indicates that the average Christian prays three times a day. Sounds like praying before meals.

My friend illustrated, “we need to get excited about prayer … everything is dependent on God … prayer is an obligation … as leaders, we need to pray.” (Francis Chan) My friend further suggested as leaders we need to consistently pray and seek God’s face for an hour each day.

There was silence at our Board table.

“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” (Ezekiel 22:30 NIV)

The rest of our Board meeting was fascinating as we prayerfully shared our own prayer struggles. The potential benefits to our church and community would be phenomenal if all of us would pray for an hour each day. As leaders we need to set the example.

Pray for your leaders daily. As we pray, lead and support our people, God will direct each of us through an active and consistent prayer life.

Yours in Service,

Laurie D. Kennedy