Posted on 30. Jan, 2012 by Joy in Uncategorized
Ten little girls perch themselves on bended knee. Gathered round our coffee table, tender hands clasp in fervency and child-like prayers pour forth. In this faith-rich space, school mates tie heart strings with one another as together they approach God’s throne.
One week later, ten beautiful women fall to their knees in this same room, surrounding one of their own with outstretched hands. Prayers of blessing fuse together in united love. With spiritual arms linked, our hearts bow before God.
It is a humbling privilege to lead others into prayer.
We are all developing and growing in this discipline of prayer. No one has yet fully arrived. Whether we are in spiritual infancy, or have more spiritual maturity, our journey of prayer growth is forever at a point of beginning. There is always more to learn and experience, and a friend is one who will prod us on the journey. Will you be that kind of friend?
Spiritual leadership is simply taking the initiative, moving just a couple steps out in front toward the way of the gospel. The beautiful thing about leading is that it is the fastest way to grow yourself.
So, how can we lead in prayer? Just some simple ideas…
1. Set an example. We went to a family breakfast at our daughter’s school this past Friday. Once my plate was filled with pancakes and bacon, I sat down first at the table. My children and husband soon followed, but as I was putting the first bite of syrup laden pancake in my mouth, my dear man bowed his head low. Right there in the noisy cafeteria with community friends milling about, he set an example in prayer. I was simultaneously proud and humbled. Do your children see you praying? Do you model prayer to those around you? Do you participate in prayer groups?
2. Pray in the moment. There are dozens of opportunities throughout the week to pray with people. When you hear their concern for their children, when you hear the hardship that they are facing, when you visit them in the hospital, when you take them a meal, offer to pray. Instead of adding a prayer to your future to-do list, do it then and there…in the grocery story, on the doorstep, in the church lobby, over coffee, in your email response. Our instincts should be honed to go to God first, for He is truly the only one that can really do anything about it. Trust, dependence, and worship are all modeled in immediate prayer, and others will be encouraged as they participate in it.
3. Form a prayer group. Maybe it’s just with one other friend. Maybe it’s with a group of moms from your child’s school. Maybe it’s at your church. Many people are shy about prayer, or don’t yet grasp it’s full power and importance. Calling people to gather and pray will give them models for prayer as well as support in the discipline.
4. Start with your family. Simply ask to pray with and for your family. Pray for another family each night around the dinner table. Ask your children if they have any prayer requests. Pray for their friends as they tell you stories about them. Ask your spouse to pray with you regularly.
Dear God, may we be a people that seek you in all things. May we not waver, hesitate, balk, pay lip service to, or withhold the blessing of prayer. Instead, help us to pray with confidence for and with others, joining together with them to worship you. We know that you are the answer to all things and therefore we desire to bring you into the conversation at all times. May You be our first thought and may you use us to lead others to You. With all of our love, in Christ’s name, Amen.
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