A Prayer for Leaders
By Emma Danzey
Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Whether it is in our daily places of work or school, in our homes, in our churches, in our organizations, or on our favorite teams, there are leaders. The Lord has specifically called certain people to positions of leadership among believers. In Hebrews 13, this is addressed. It says to remember our leaders and think about their lives and imitate their faith.
First of all, let’s begin with the fact that not all people in leadership roles are healthy. Before ever following the example of a leader, even within a church, it is vital that we observe things like character, consistency, and a person who lives out the gospel and Bible. Today, we are going to take intentional time to pray for our leaders. There are many accounts in the Bible of leaders who did well and those who ended badly. We want to pray over those in leadership in our communities to stay the course with the help of the Spirit and to represent God well.
Let's Pray:
God, thank you for appointing leaders throughout time and in my specific sphere. I pray for them today. Guide them by the wisdom of Your word, and help them to navigate this sinful world. Give them the courage to speak the truth in love. Show them what it means to be servant leaders. You say in Matthew 20:26, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Help my leaders be known for the way that they participate and meet the needs of those around them.
Please be with those who have led for a long time. It is easy to want to coast towards the end of a position, but we pray that you would pour out extra fervor and zeal onto them to be used in mighty ways. Help them not to give up on the mission which You have called them to in this life. Please be with those who desire to give up because it is hard. Help them to find inner strength in You. Give them all that they need to accomplish Your tasks. Enable them to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh. Help them to set a good example for those around them.
We pray for those just now entering leadership roles. Keep them humble in this endeavor. Give them the confidence to walk with You into this new season. Lord, help them to be lifetime learners as they lead. Give them understanding and wisdom beyond their years. Help them to commit their plans to You. Provide humble attitudes for them and give them courage to ask wise counsel and learn from those who have gone before them. May they walk in the paths which You have called them to in a way that shows total glory to Your name and not their own.
Lord, for those who are spiritual leaders, help them not to take this lightly. You say in James 3:1, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” For those whom You have called into these positions, please uphold them in integrity, character, and honesty. We pray against their flesh and the attacks of the enemy. So many leaders have fallen into sin. Please give them accountability and strength to set boundaries that will honor You and protect them. The enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy, but You, Jesus, seek to give life to the fullest. Protect those serving in the spotlight and those shepherding Your people.
God, we pray over the areas of leadership which You have entrusted to us. Maybe we do not even see ourselves as leaders, but for those who are younger than us, those in our families, and those under our influence, help us to model Your love to them and point them to You each day. Remind us that as Your children, we are examples to others. Help us to live by the Spirit and not our flesh so that we can point others to Your amazing love. Amen.
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Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
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Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
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Originally published Friday, 13 October 2023.
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