As leaders, we are in positions of power, with access to power. This aligns and puts us in the best possible position for success, and more importantly, significance. In the bible, we read stories pictorializing how Jesus and other leaders viewed power, as one of influencing towards eternity through prayer and acts of humility. While Jesus was on this earth, He influenced many for eternity. His example of seeking the Father in Heaven for Himself and others gives us as leaders a roadmap to follow. (John 17).
Our Prayer Focus
In this blog post, I will touch on one of the most powerful tools we have in our possession as Leaders, access to our eternal boss. It is through prayer and reading the Word of God that we can gain this access. Through prayer, we can intercede for those we lead, and gain insights and wisdom for the situations we may be facing each day. As an Old Testament example, we see the value Daniel placed on prayer in Daniel chapter nine. He was placed in some very unfamiliar circumstances and Daniel turned to the Lord seeking wisdom and help. (Daniel 9:3). In talking with the Lord in prayer, he acknowledged and confessed where he had turned away from the Lord. Daniel spent time praising God for the love and kindness he was feeling. He also reflected on the need for obeying the Lord’s commands while seeking Him in prayer. (Daniel 9:4) Daniel reminds us that our eternal boss is forgiving, even when we go our own way. In Daniel 9, verses 17-19, he pleads in prayer for the Lord to have mercy and do good things according to His character and covenant. In these verses, we gain a sense of the urgency Daniel was experiencing. (Daniel 9: 19).
As a leader, Daniel was seeking the Lord in prayer, not only for himself but for his people. We have the same opportunity and access to this same power position. Through prayer with our loving, kind boss, we can seek the Lord on behalf of our organizations and everyone it impacts to awaken the Marketplace. In his prayers, Daniel was connecting himself to God’s desires and promises, all for the Glory of God.
Monday Morning
One of the key aspects of seeking the desires of God (Matthew 6:33) is humility, recognizing Him as the ultimate owner and authority. As we seek God first each day through prayer, we are aligning with our power source. Given this, praying puts us in a power position. With this alignment to God, we can reduce friction and gain significance. This power flows into our lives, our teams, and ultimately our businesses. With this alignment, we are able to remain in close communication with God and carry out as leaders, what He is asking of us.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and the verses leading to it, Paul is encouraging those he is leading how to live their lives, with an emphasis on the priority of prayer. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Paul exhorts them to always be full of Joy, in part by always being in prayer. In doing so, it helps us be more thankful for things that happen in our lives and businesses as we will sense His continual presence. This can be the case even when the results are not what we would prefer.
Having this vantage point as leaders allows us to stay in regular communication towards God’s leading. With this mindset and position, He can steer our hearts in the direction He desires us to go. This power position of prayer ultimately allows God to transform our lives and align our thoughts with His. As we are transformed, our businesses are transformed. As our businesses are transformed, the marketplace can be transformed and awakened for Christ. When this occurs, we point others toward the only thing that matters, the Kingdom of Heaven.
If you would like to go deeper on these subjects and ways to bring Glory to the Father, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at randy.earnst@we-r-stewards.com, or visit our website at www.we-r-stewards.com
