A LEADER PRAYS
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Martin Luther
When we think of all the things a leader should embody, prayer would be close to last or not even mentioned. I would normally think of things like courage, strength, decision-making, and wisdom. I completely agree that all of these are extremely important leadership qualities that no one should take for granted. All I am suggesting is that our priorities may have been wrong when it comes to what we look for in a leader. We should first be looking for a leader who prays.
Before Avengers: Infinity War came out, I was watching a video talking about the infinity stones and all of their powers. If you don’t know, there are 6 infinity stones: space, time, reality, power, mind, and soul. In the video, it talked about the power stone and I noticed something odd about it. They said that the power stone really has two different powers. It can be used as raw strength or it can make the other stones stronger. Meaning, that the power stone, when combined with the other stones, can elevate the powers of the other 5 stones.
What I am trying to say is that prayer is your power stone. Prayer never stays where you prayed. Prayer impacts your family, friends, followers, and future. When you are praying with a desire to know God, then there is no part of your life he will leave untouched.
“God won’t put you in a position of leadership until you take a posture of servanthood. So as you’re pursuing your God-sized, God-given dream, remember the attitude you need to keep from beginning to end.” Mark Batterson
Why pray? What is it that convinces you to speak or think words to God? I know from experience there is no greater motivator than desire. Desire is the kindling that keeps the fire of faith burning deep within your heart. Also, I do not want desire to be understood as a feeling. Desire fights for a relationship despite any discomfort or feeling. Pure desire fights through any situation because your posture is one of humility to the majestic, powerful God of the universe.
When it comes to prayer, there is nothing more important than your posture.
I do not mean your physical posture but your mental posture. Although, there are times when a physical posture of surrender helps internalize a mental posture of surrender.
As leaders, we must learn that we must depend on God to provide what we cannot. We are finite people with very strict limitations, but God has given us prayer as a way to tap into the infinite God. Pray with a posture of surrender and a desire for dependence.
There is no force on earth as powerful as a faithful follower of Christ who prays.
God has given everyone this tool as a way to build a relationship with him and to access the power, grace, and love of God. When we come to God with a posture of humility then God will strengthen every part of your leadership. He will speak truth and hope into your life through his word. God is faithful to always listen to prayer.
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” -William Carey
I think it is ironic that this is the last part of the FLIP Leadership series, yet prayer is the first step to becoming the leader God made you to be. When it comes to leadership, prayer is where God begins to form you to be what other people need. Place Christ at the center of your desire and pray as if your life depends on it. Pray bold prayers that shake the gates of Hell. Pray prayers of healing and hope over people who are hopeless. Pray deep prayers of longing for your God-sized dreams to become reality.
Let the prayers of God’s people be the battle cry for the lost and hurting in the world.
It is going to be prayer that begins the radical revival this world desperately needs. You can help this world right now by praying the way Jesus taught us. Position your heart in surrender and dependence to God and pray this out loud:
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.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you for being a part of this series. I am so passionate about FLIP Leadership and the potential everyone has to make a difference where they are. Remember, leaders are not born; they are made. God has given you influence and it is your responsibility to use it for His glory.
WHAT MAKES A LEADER (Part 1) – Followers with a Common Mission
WHAT MAKES A LEADER (Part 2) – Lifetime Learner
WHAT MAKES A LEADER (Part 3) – Influence
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Grace and Peace,
nick settles 