| Blackaby & Blackaby emphasize the importance of prayer many times throughout their discussion of spiritual leadership, while also recognizing that many Christian leaders struggle to maintain an active prayer life. Why is this? Likewise, Maxwell & Elmore reference James 5:14 and Acts 6:4 in calling on leaders to intercede for others, fulfilling an essential function of leadership. In I Thessalonians 5:17, we are admonished to “pray without ceasing”, despite the often intimidating demands on our time and focus. While many of these demands can be traced to worries about meeting deadlines, accomplishing goals, or overcoming challenges, we are instructed to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let (our) requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Please read the passages listed above, as well as the study note Prayer Partners: The Leader as an Intercessor by Maxwell & Elmore (p. 1549) and relate these to the leader’s role. Please address the following points in offering your response to this discussion: What are potential indicators that a prayer life is either active or suffering? How does an active prayer life influence the leader’s approach to exercising influencing? How has prayer shaped your own effectiveness in making specific decisions or in approaching specific situations (or individuals)? |
