A Prayer for Good Leaders
By Meg Bucher
“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” - Hebrews 13:7 NLT
“Be a leader.”
Between jokes and quips, the Abbot I had the privilege of growing up around was as perfect a combination of wisdom and kindness as a human being this side of heaven could be. Compassionate but sturdy and steady, he taught us the importance of obedience and discipline but also of laughter, love, and a genuine heart for Jesus. He was a great leader and mentor.
“When you get to the last 300,” coach affirmed, “put your head down and go.” Coach was larger than life. When he said something, we leaned in to listen. And at the mark of the last 300, he was there, louder than life! I ran faster than ever, just like he said I would when he met me as a senior in high school, looking for a way to go to my first choice college. Vividly, I remember him staring into my fear and assuring me he’d be there to pick me up at the finish line if the worst happened. He was …but it didn’t.
These are just two of the people who made a mark on my life. God is faithful to place these hallmark souls in the path of our lives to help us learn who we are while at the same time - if we are willing - shining through our lives to lead the generations following us. He faithfully weaves us together one at a time, our lives blending together to illuminate the beautiful spectrum of color and compassion He knit into every human heart.
Let’s pray:
Father,
Your mercies are new every day. Great is Your faithfulness. Lord, You know what we need before we are done expressing the desires of our hearts. Faithful to forgive and faithful to save, You have an amazing way of fulfilling our need for connection on this earth. Thank You, Father, for the way You connect us to the people around us. Thank You for the way You bring leaders into our lives to show us the next steps and to help us understand who we are. Help us to meditate on the words of Hebrews today. Send Your Holy Spirit to fill our minds with wisdom, connection, understanding, and conviction as we personalize and pray this verse today:
Let us remember the leaders who taught us the word of God.
Let us think of all the good that has come from their lives,
And let us follow the example of their faith.
Father God, You are amazing in the way You love us. The story of our lives is written so personally and purposefully. The freedom we find through Christ Jesus to fully live our lives is crafted by a love we will not be able to fully understand this side of heaven. Thank You, God, for the leaders You have placed in our lives. As we prayerfully search our memories, we can trace the faithful strokes of Your creative genius and compassionate care for us as we picture and place the hallmark figures in our lives. Along the way, You have undoubtedly blessed our journey on this earth with other people. Help us to remember those who have left us and recognize those who still stand among us.
Father, help us to appreciate and pray for the good leaders in our lives. Bless them today, Father. Fill their hearts with a peaceful assurance of their good work on this earth. The ability to affect another human life is a powerful sentiment. Sharpen our wisdom and discernment, Father, to spot false and damaging people who appear to be leaders but, in fact, cause hurt and harm. Hold us in the shelter of Your comfort and care, Father, protecting our minds, hearts, friends, and families from bad leaders. They are out there, Father. Scripture assures us. Bless our lives fully with people who have hearts after Your own, Father. And allow us to lead in the same capacity. Keep us on the narrow path which leads home to You in heaven. Equip us to follow and lead all the days of our lives, bringing glory and honor to You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Photo credit: Sara Cottle/Unsplash
Related Resource: "I AM" - A Lenten Journey with Jesus
When the world feels heavy, clarity isn’t always what we need most. Sometimes what we need is presence. In John 8:12, Jesus doesn’t promise all the answers. He promises Himself: “I am the light of the world.” Light doesn’t show us the entire path—it gives us enough to take the next step. It reminds us that we are not alone in the dark, and that God is present with us even when things feel uncertain. I’m praying this meditation reminds you that Jesus is present—and you don’t have to walk in the dark alone. This week’s guided Scripture meditation is part of my larger Lent series that invites you to slow down, listen, and follow the Light who leads to life.
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Originally published Monday, 20 February 2023.
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