A Leader That Prays

Some notes from my discussion this morning on prayer with some of our leaders:

What role does prayer play in your life?

 Why do we struggle having prayer be a regular part of our life?

· View prayer as passive, leaders like to act

· Too busy

· Too much noise in our life (audio, visual, relational)

· Don’t believe it works, or don’t see it as being essential

 Why must prayer be an essential part of our lives?

1) To learn God’s will/agenda: see Jesus’ example Mark 1:30-39

2) To accomplish God’s will:  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5

3) To have God active in our life: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:13

4) To have access to God’s wisdom “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” - Jeremiah 33:3

5) To give your stress and worries to God “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7

 Application - A Leader That Prays

1) Do you have faith that prayer makes a difference?  If the answer is no then all the other steps below just become religions exercises.  Ask God to increase your faith and spend time in God’s word to see a God who responds to prayer.

2) How is the noise level in your life?  We often want God to speak more loudly and clearly to us.  Car radio example - God can either speak louder or we can turn down the noise in our life.  What are ways you can do this?

3) Is prayer a part of your relationships with others?  Ask, how can I pray for your right now?  And do it.  Marriage, kids, friends, co-workers… prayer can be a key element to these relationships.  Relationships based on God and prayer are much deeper.

4) Is prayer a once or twice-a-day event or is it a regular interaction with God? “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

 

Comments

[brad]

Noise, distractions....an expression I find useful: "the good is the enemy of the great".

"Empty me, from the selfishness inside, from the vain ambitions and the foolishness of pride." Chris Sligh

David was good at this, inviting God to examine his heart....I need to be better, much better as I believe God loves me and wants what is best. thanks for the reminder Scott.