A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

 

Do you take yourself too seriously?

 

It’s easily done.

 

Especially for those of us in executive roles. So much is at stake.

 

The truth?

 

God doesn’t want you to go through life serious, stern, and stressed:

 

Even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy

1 Peter 1:8

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

Romans 15:13

 

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Palm 16:11

 

In this prayer series, we’ve talked about the words you can speak to support yourself to be receptive to God’s will, creative in carrying out God’s will, and perceptive in helping others’ to fulfill their God-given potential.

 

Now, to conclude this series, I ask you to take to heart one final prayer:

 

The Prayer of Levity for Servant Leaders

 

Dear Lord,

 

I am responsible for significant business results and the fundamental well being of other human beings. My decisions directly impact other peoples’ lives. And, they impact my own life and the lives of the people I love the most.

 

I’ve got a lot on my shoulders, Lord. And every bit of it is critical.

 

And yet…

 

I know that you want me to enjoy this life you’ve blessed me with! Your deepest desire is that I relish every day along with the people and experiences that populate those days.

 

Can you please help me remember this, Lord?

 

Can you help me maintain perspective when I allow the concerns at work to eclipse the joy I gain from working?

 

Please guide me to shrink my concerns down, God, and expand the pleasure I take in my work, my colleagues, and my life.

 

Please help me remember that all I can do is contribute. I cannot control outcomes. I cannot control others’ contributions. I cannot give and cultivate more than one person can reasonably give and cultivate.

 

I am one person. I am human. And I am here to enjoy my own humanity and the humanity of everyone around me. To say the least, this takes a healthy dose of levity and humor!

 

Deep down, I crave levity; to not take myself and everything on my plate too seriously. I know that I will be served from lightening up, releasing tension, and letting myself actually enjoy the ride.

 

Here is where I’m struggling to do that…

 

[Now, talk to God about your most critical challenge – the one that wakes you up at night, steals your attention away, and prevents you from taking pleasure in how you lead.

 

As you describe the issue in detail to the Lord, consider its elements. Why is this specific challenge weighing on you so heavily? What about this specific dynamic has you tied up in knots?

 

Open your mind and heart up to God’s insight. He knows you far better than you know yourself. He knows every knot of stress, every source of dis-ease. Ask for his perspective on why you are so troubled.

 

You will be surprised at the level of clarity you gain. You will remember past events that embedded current triggers. Allow yourself to be lead by God in this process of remembering. This is the crucible of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and, if you cultivate it, liberating levity.]

 

Thank you God, as always, for listening and supporting me to deepen my journey of servant leadership.

 

In your name I pray,

 

Amen.

 

I pray that you have found these prayers the last 4 weeks helpful on your journey of Leading Jesus’ Way. I wish you God’s richest blessings as you look to, and lean on, the Lord’s guidance as you lead others to help them achieve their God-given potential.

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  

Philippians 4:6