Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #17 — Praying Soldier

Picture: Counsel #17 — Praying Soldier CI 146.1

When King Hezekiah received a letter threatening destruction from the king of Assyria, he didn’t rally troops first or send a diplomatic envoy. He took the letter, spread it out before God in the temple, and prayed. That one decision changed everything. God responded, saying the enemy would not enter the city, and they didn’t. CI 146.2

Prayer shifted the outcome of an entire war! Today, leadership often looks like taking quick action and appearing unshakable and unbothered. In the Kingdom of God, masculine leadership begins with dependence. Prayer should never be a last resort for when all else fails. Rather, prayer is the primary strategy of the wise. When a man gets on his knees and seeks the face of God, he’s able to gain perspective, find peace, and hear the Holy Spirit amidst all the noise. So, whether you’re leading in your home, your work, or your church, your greatest influence will flow from the time you spend with God. Prayer shapes not just your decisions, but your character, and a character right with God is what He wants people to follow.^[161] CI 146.3

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV CI 146.4

“He who is a true leader will pray for an understanding heart, to discern between good and evil…” Ellen White in Prophets and Kings, p. 31 CI 146.5

Reflect: Are you leading from a place of prayerful submission? CI 146.6