Almost exactly two years, at the outset of our second year here in Clearfield, I wrote a prayer in my journal. Little did I know at the time that that prayer would stick with me.
I find myself going back to it every now and then. Now as we begin our fourth year here in Clearfield, the beginning of a crucial year both at Centre Grove and West Side (as we both begin Matthew 28 Initiatives this year), I have added a little to it (i.e., the paragraph on “patience and persistence”).
I think requests in this prayer are qualities and characteristics that all transformational leaders need. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but some things I’ve found myself praying for, particularly in the last couple of years …
O God, I pray for strength. Be our Rock, our firm foundation. Provide us with the spiritual grounding we need for the life ahead. As we build our lives on Christ, the solid rock, develop your character in us!
Lord, give us favor with the people you call us to reach and the people you call us to be in ministry with, especially the leaders and influencers in our churches.
Give us wisdom so that we may lead well, and discernment so that we will be able to sift through all the distractions in order to focus on those things you call us to be about.
As we navigate the journey ahead, give us patience and persistence to stay the course in the midst of the challenges and obstacles that will arise during the slow-going work of transformation and revitalization.
And give us courage. Help us to follow you, even when it’s hard!
Through your leadership in our lives, expressed and lived out in the places we serve, create communities of faith that will be engaged in the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! Amen.
Strength. Favor. Wisdom. Discernment. Patience. Persistence. Courage. As you seek to lead transformation where you serve, what do you find yourself asking God for?