A Leader's Private Prayers
October 1, 1998
It happened again and again: the impasse, talking in circles, limited information. In my early years, I thought all I needed was the best available information and some clear logic to make the best decision. Every good leader wants logic and information for important decisions. But as I watched leaders who were consistently effective, I began to notice something else. Leading well eventually required more than the available information. The best leaders could sense when that point had been reached. Instead of expecting to always have the final answer themselves, or otherwise forcing the issue to closure, they almost always paused—a moment behind closed eyes, a call for prayer, a break in the meeting, a bit of humor, seeking words from someone who had been silent. The list of methods was endless. These leaders did not seem burdened or concerned when they exhausted knowledge and reason. The ragged edge that scared others seemed actually to assure them and guide them to wisdom. The best leaders knew after pausing who the wise person was for that moment—themselves or someone else. Such wisdom is a gift of the Spirit, and it is not lavished on leaders to cover their incompetence or indolence. This wisdom is the gracious contribution of God to those who truly lead in order to serve. It is an answer to sincere prayer. The following are prayers for some of those moments. Ownership
"Do not be afraid! For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chron. 20:15). It is not my organization, it is yours, so I depend on your Spirit to show me what to do. These are not my people. I chose them and organized their efforts, but they do not belong to me. You entrusted them to my leadership, and they agreed to follow me. They deserve ...
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