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When Prayer Needs Action

Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. (James 1:22) In Nehemiah 13:10–14, Nehemiah faced a problem I’ll call the problem of financial fiasco. I like the way verse 10 begins: “I also discovered.” That tells me that he was looking. A leader keeps his […]

A Prayer Checkup

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) As we approach the topic of prayer, let’s begin with an assessment. Carefully […]

Nothing More Vital Than Prayer

“You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.” (Nehemiah 9:6) Of all the disciplines a leader must maintain, nothing—let me repeat, nothing—is more vital to […]

Advancing on Your Knees

We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard. (Nehemiah 4:21) “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6 NASB). Critics demoralise. Leaders encourage. When the critics spoke, the […]

The Priority of Prayer

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7) Prayer is primary—but not theoretical prayer. […]

Four Marks of a Spiritual Leader

“O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel.” (Nehemiah 1:5–6) Nehemiah, touched by the need of his people, “sat down […]

Leaders Are Made, Not Born

“Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed […]

Shifting the Stress by Prayer and Rest

If you tend to get caught up in the hurry-worry sindrome, there is a better way to live. In Parts One through Three we talked about some strategies for alleviating stress. Prayer is another relief—an essential therapy during stressful times. I’m reminded of David on one occasion. He and a group of his men returned home after a weary three-day journey.

Real Prayer

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6) Prayer was never intended to make us feel guilty. It was never intended to be a verbal marathon for only the initiated—no secret-code talk […]

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