Pray for Those We Lead

Reflect:

We often make every effort to be good leaders and role models to those we lead. That’s why we make sure we provide counsel when they struggle, and be present in their suffering as much as in their joys. But when the conversations end and the flock go on their way, does our leadership role go as well?

In John 17:9, the Lord Jesus prays for His disciples. He said, “I am praying for them…for they are Yours.” First, this challenged me deeply in that the Lord, the Creator of the universe, the Lover of our souls, makes this humbling initiative to pray for His disciples, a great display of love and care for their welfare. Next, He prays for them because they were His Holy Father’s. We pray for those we lead because we know that they are His. We pray for them because no matter how earnest and good our actions are toward them, we realize that only God truly understands and can give the best that we similarly want for them. 

If we, who are mere stewards of the flock that He entrusted to us, desire that those we lead would grow in their faith and love God genuinely, imagine how much more does He, the author and perfecter of their faith? 

Respond:

Maybe we have exhausted all the practical means to be a good leader for others, perhaps we can also try praying for them? Take a pause now and say a prayer.  It’s free and “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16) Even if our physical presence cannot always reach them, we know that God’s presence always can.