5 Prayers to Pray for Leaders

On the surface, leadership seems like a fun gig: popularity, decision making, and the chance to change the course of history. But behind the scenes, it’s a life packed with unending obstacles and challenges. One of the best things we can do for our leaders is give them spiritual support through prayer. Whether they’re in church, the workplace, or the government, here are five prayers you can, and should, pray for the leaders in your life.

 

1. Clarity

Leaders are under constant pressure to conform to the wishes of those around them. They listen to diverse voices, patiently receive a wide range of conflicting opinions, put up with aggressive lobbying and bullying, and deal with the inevitable in-fighting from whatever decision they finally make.

A pastor friend once told me about the rare day one of his elders ended a meeting with tears of happiness, saying: “This was the first time in three years that we talked about vision instead of putting out fires.” Pray that your leaders will listen to the right voices - running everything through the lens of truth and grace - and make the right decision for such a time as this. Pray that God will refine their vision and keep them on the path they’re supposed to lead others down.

 

2. Rest

I’ve had countless coffees with people who were on the edge of abandoning their calling because the pressure was so immense. Burnout is a big problem, especially in missions and ministry. Leadership is a 24/7 evenings-and-weekends job, and even a day-trip to the library or coffee shop is usually interrupted by someone who wants to talk.

Pray that your leaders will develop healthy boundaries, safe spaces, and quiet times. Pray that they’ll figure out a sustainable pace and a rhythm of grace. Pray that they’ll find time for sleep, Sabbath, and sabbatical - because a rested leader is a stronger leader.

 

3. Humility

Maybe it’s the bright light or the elevated platform, but leadership has a weird effect on human beings. Pray that leaders will always remember that the foundation of leadership is servanthood. Pray that they will cloak themselves in humility, and surround themselves with people who can keep them grounded.

 

4. Encouragement

That said, leaders also get knocked around far more than average folks. Public figures are easy targets, and someone’s always trying to knock them down. While there comes a point where we give leaders far more credit than they’re due - even going so far as to idolize or worship them - we also need to make sure that we don’t withhold praise and encouragement when it’s genuinely due. Pray that leaders will receive a fair and balanced amount of both, and that they won’t let their press - good or bad - go to their head.

 

5. Loneliness

John Maxwell once said “it’s lonely at the top” -- and that’s putting it mildly. 

Pray that God would provide the leaders in your life with the relationships they need to do a great job: a mentor, an accountability partner, a great team of colleagues, a mastermind of close companions, and some fun friendships. The ability to lead and influence others is a sacred stewardship, and it’s important to keep our leaders in our prayers. After all, where they’re heading is where we’re heading.