30 Days of Prayer: Local Leaders

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45

In an 1887 letter, historian and politician Lord Acton wrote to the Bishop Creighton, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” His observation aligns well with the axiom which Jesus shares in the scripture above. Without God, it is impossible for anyone to lead in a truly sacrificial way.

Leadership is at its best when those in authority serve the communities in which they live and work with a focus on those in need, rather than serving their own needs. While that is true any day, it is even more so now in a time of crisis. Jesus’ challenge to His disciples is just as true for our leaders today as it was then.

Let us pray that our local leaders follow Christ’s lead and make wise decisions for us all that will lead us through these challenging times.

Prayer:

Lord, give those in authority the wisdom to follow Your example. Help them to use their position to serve selflessly and govern effectively. We pray that you will lead them with Your Spirit and that You will guard them by planting a hedge of protection around them. We ask this in Jesus Name. Amen!

For Reflection:

• Who are the local leaders you will pray for today?
• What has God placed on your heart to pray over these leaders?
• Will you share this with these leaders as an encouragement for some and challenge for others?

By Ben Miles