Topic: Pray for your leaders
Bible Reading: Proverbs 7-9; Romans 15:22-33.
Memory Verse: “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;” Romans 15:30 (KJV)
Everything rises and falls with leadership is a common maxim coined by the Leadership expert, John Maxwell, who himself got the phrase from Dr Lee Roberson, a pastor and founder of Tennessee Temple university. This maxim shows the importance of leadership in every community or organisation. That is why efforts should be placed on choosing the right leader. Christianity has come this far because of the leadership of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He set up the structure and developed the disciples who took over the mantle after He was crucified. He also gave very vivid and practical examples that made it easy for subsequent leaders to follow even over two thousand years after His death.
The rise and fall of each organisation or community therefore depends to a large extent on its leadership. This is why it’s important that you should not only support your leaders physically, but also spiritually. Apostle Paul requested in our memory verse that the believers should pray for him. He said in Romans 15:30 (KJV), “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;”
Prayers will help to keep leaders in line with the will of God inspite of the difficult terrain of life. In fact, they should be given the right advice so that they do not end up putting their area of influence in danger. When king Rehoboth in 1 Kings 12:1-19; took the wrong advice, the kingdom suffered for it. This is why the Bible enjoins believers to pray for all their leaders to help the community or organisation being led to have peace and grow. Thus, the Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV), “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
So it is important and actually required of you as a Christian to pray for your leaders. This is why you should also pray before leaders are chosen so that the right person is chosen to lead your organisation, community or even country. Remember the word of the lord that says in Proverbs 29:2 (KJV), “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” . So praying for your leaders is also in your interest.
Action point: Pray for your leaders concerning their physical and spiritual well-being.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero