DAY 7: SUNDAY, APRIL 19
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:
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?
Posted in 30 Days of Prayer
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21 Days of Prayer: Fix Our Eyes on Jesus – Daily Email Signup21 Days of Prayer: A Note from our Senior Pastor21 Days of Prayer: Day 1 (God Is Creator)21 Days of Prayer: Day 2 (God Is Holy)Thrive Thought: A Faithful Steward21 Days of Prayer: Day 3 (God Is Love)21 Days of Prayer: Day 4 (God Is Eternal)21 Days of Prayer: Day 5 (God Is Sovereign)21 Days of Prayer: Day 6 (God Is Faithful)21 Days of Prayer: Day 8 (God Comforts)21 Days of Prayer: Day 7 (God Is Just)21 Days of Prayer: Day 9 (God Redeems)21 Days of Prayer: Day 10 (God Provides)21 Days of Prayer: Day 16 (Promise of Forgiveness)21 Days of Prayer: Day 15 (Promise of Eternal Life)21 Days of Prayer: Day 14 (God is Present)21 Days of Prayer: Day 13 (God Protects)21 Days of Prayer: Day 12 (God Guides)21 Days of Prayer: Day 11 (God Heals)
2023
February
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Welcome21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Seeking God21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: The Why21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: The What21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: The How21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 121 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 221 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 321 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 421 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 521 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 621 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 721 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 821 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 921 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1021 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1121 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1221 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1321 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1421 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1521 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1621 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1721 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1821 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 1921 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 2021 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 2121 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Now What?
September