Praying Like a LeaderSample

The Wisdom To Walk It Out

Have you ever found yourself in a situation or season and thought, I’m not qualified for this? Maybe it was a new job or the feeling you had when you became a parent – or even when you first stepped out on your own as an adult. It can seem daunting when you’re in charge and people are looking to you for answers, but you’ve got questions too.

Solomon could relate to this feeling. When his father, King David, passed away, Solomon was left with big shoes to fill. In 1 Kings 3, we read how God came to Solomon in a dream and asked him, “What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you!”

Solomon was overwhelmed with his new leadership role, so he responded to God’s generous offer by stating, “Lord God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.” v. 7-8 (CEV)

You don’t have to be a king or have an entire country relying on you to relate to Solomon. As leaders, we have so many people who lean on us every week; spouses, children, parents, co-workers, neighbors, friends, people at church, and the list goes on and on. Talk about feeling outnumbered and overwhelmed!

What if God is asking you the same question today that He asked Solomon centuries ago? “What do you want?” Unfortunately, this is where a lot of us can get tripped up. What should we be asking for? More money? More time? More energy? More help? All of the above?

What do you pray for as a leader?

Solomon asked for wisdom, which is the gift that keeps on giving. It gives you perspective in your pain and a purpose for your platform.

“Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.” v. 9 (CEV)

Solomon knew he needed more than knowledge. He needed discernment, and we need that today more than ever as leaders. We’re drowning in information but starving for wisdom.

Make it a goal to ask God for wisdom every day before you begin your day. We don’t just need it for God’s people — we need it to lead ourselves (See Jeremiah 17:9). And don’t just ask for wisdom — look for it! Surround yourself with wise people who challenge you to grow (Proverbs 11:14). Swap your phone for a book some nights. Commit to reading a chapter in Proverbs, a book packed with practical truths, every day, and ask God to transfer the wisdom from the pages of your Bible to the corners of your heart.