Use influence to help others without lording it over them

Use influence to keep people dependent on you

Use influence mainly to protect your own status

Use influence only when everyone already agrees with you

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I confess that I have sinned and tried to run my life my own way. I need your mercy and your leadership. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and confess you as Lord. Lead me in your truth and make me yours. Thank you for receiving me. Amen.

Receive Jesus as Lord

Lord, revive your Church so we do not chase status, power, or control. Make us gentle with people, strong in truth, and quick to serve. Teach us to lead without domineering, to gather others close, and to reflect the heart of Jesus. Stir us awake again, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Revive Your Church to Lead Humbly

Father, forgive me for the times I have used words, influence, or position to pressure others. I turn from pride and control and ask you to make me humble and teachable. Shape my leadership after Jesus. in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Turn Me from Control

Lord, be near to people who are treated harshly or kept under pressure. Give them safety, wise support, and hope, and raise up leaders who do justice and serve well. in the name of Jesus. Amen.

For Those Under Harsh Rule

Bring these to God: gratitude that Jesus uses authority without abuse; thanks for leadership that serves rather than crushes; praise for the kindness of Christ's rule over his people.

Thanks for Jesus' Way of Authority

Pray by naming one place where you have influence, then ask Jesus to show you how to use it without pressure or pride. End by asking for one small act of service you can do today.

Pray for Humble Leadership

ὁ{ho###hoh###(the)} δὲ{DE###DEH###But} Ἰησοῦς{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus} προσκαλεσάμενος{pros-ka-le-SA-me-nos###prohs-kah-leh-SA-meh-nohs###having called} αὐτοὺς{af-TOOS###ahf-TOOS###them} εἶπεν·{EE-pen###EE-pehn###(he) said} Οἴδατε{EE-da-te###EE-dah-teh###You know} ὅτι{HO-tee###HOH-tee###that} οἱ{ee###ee###the} ἄρχοντες{AR-khon-tes###AHR-khohn-tehs###rulers} τῶν{TON###TOHN###of the} ἐθνῶν{e-THNON###eh-THNOHN###Gentiles} κατακυριεύουσιν{ka-ta-kee-ree-EV-oo-seen###kah-tah-kee-ree-EHV-oo-seen###lord it over} αὐτῶν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###them} καὶ{KE###KEH###and} οἱ{ee###ee###the} μεγάλοι{me-GA-lee###meh-GAH-lee###great ones} κατεξουσιάζουσιν{ka-te-ksoo-see-A-zoo-seen###kah-teh-ksoo-see-AH-zoo-seen###exercise authority over} αὐτῶν.{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###them}

Matthew 20:25 — LiteralTAB

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