The Most Powerful Way To Differentiate Yourself As A Servant Leader

“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave me – so that they may be one as we are one.”

John 17:11

You won’t find it in most business classes or leadership books. Or hear about it around most boardrooms or breakrooms. But it’s the one thing that can set you apart, as a leader:

Praying.

Nothing gives me more strength than someone telling me they are praying for me. It is the ultimate expression of sincere support.

Jesus clearly illustrated the power of prayer for us. Even though He was vested with God’s power, Jesus consistently called upon God for strength – both for Himself and for those he was serving. Regardless of your position or platform in this world, your prayer makes a difference. It impacts the people you are praying for, and it impacts you. Nothing gives me more strength than someone telling me they are praying for me. It is the ultimate expression of sincere support. And there is no greater privilege than praying for others – doing my part to put their concerns and hurts squarely on God’s radar. Getting into a routine of prayer takes intention and effort. Here are 4 steps to making prayer a habit in your life:

• Step 1: Lock down daily times when you will engage in prayer. I pray for my family, my clients, people with health issues, and world issues every day during my daily exercise routine. I stretch every day, so I make it a practice to pray at the same time. Because both activities require me to tune in to the present moment and connect with my body and mind, they actually enhance one another. Consider, what aspect of your daily routine can be bolstered by talking to God?
• Step 2: Start a list of people that you want to pray for. You will find yourself becoming more intentional about prayer if you are documenting whom you want to hold up to God. Who needs ‘this’ service from you? Be sure to include notes of thanksgiving on your list as prayers are answered in people’s lives. There is nothing I enjoy more than praying for clients I’m serving. Ask yourself, whose struggles are you currently praying for?
• Step 3: Let people know you are praying for them. Develop a practice of follow-up. Drop people a short note of encouragement, and tell them you have them in your prayers. Doing this will keep the people you are praying for top of your mind. And, it will give them a shot of energy and optimism, knowing how much you care. Take a minute and reflect, when is the last time you told someone that you were praying for them?
• Step 4: Don’t just pray for the obvious. I think most of us pray for our families and friends. But there are so many more people who can benefit from your focused uplifting. Expand the list of people you are praying for. Consider including the following:

Praying will distinguish you as a servant leader. It will help you to maintain your focus on the greater good of others, while also supporting you to make a true difference in the world.

I encourage you to bless others through your prayers!

“Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1