Blog 4 - Protect Your Leadership: The Vital Necessity of a Prayer Shield

As a leader, have you ever felt the weight of isolation pressing down on you, even as your influence, responsibility, and affluence grow? It's a challenge many of us face on our leadership journey. The higher we climb, the more disconnected we can become from the spiritual camaraderie and support we so desperately need.

In today's episode, we'll dive deep into the transformative power of a prayer shield and how it can revolutionize your effectiveness as a leader. We'll explore the biblical foundation for this vital practice, address the misconceptions that often hold leaders back from seeking prayer support, and provide practical steps for establishing your own circle of dedicated intercessors. By the end of our time together, my prayer is that you'll be equipped and inspired to embrace the necessity of a prayer shield in your own leadership journey. Let's get started!

The Biblical Basis for Prayer Shields

Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of the power of prayer in the lives of leaders. One striking account is found in Exodus 17:8-13. As the Israelites faced a fierce battle against the Amalekites, Moses stood on a hilltop with the staff of God in his hands. Overall, commentators generally agree that Moses' raised hands symbolize prayer and intercession, illustrating the spiritual dimension of leadership and the vital role of seeking God's guidance and assistance through prayerful dependence. As long as Moses’ hands were raised in prayer, the Israelites prevailed. But when his hands grew heavy and began to lower, the Amalekites gained the advantage.

Seeing Moses' need, Aaron and Hur came alongside him, supporting his hands and ensuring that the prayer covering remained constant until the battle was won. This powerful image illustrates the essence of a prayer shield – faithful intercessors who stand with a leader, upholding them in prayer and spiritual support.

When we have a dedicated prayer shield surrounding us, we tap into a wellspring of Divine strength, wisdom, and protection.

When we have a dedicated prayer shield surrounding us, we tap into a wellspring of Divine strength, wisdom, and protection. The prayers of our intercessors become a conduit for God's grace and power to flow into our lives and leadership, enabling us to navigate challenges with greater clarity, courage, and effectiveness.

Addressing the Misconceptions

Now, I know that for many mature Christian leaders, the idea of seeking prayer support beyond a critical need, or "crisis intercession," can be accompanied by a sense of reluctance or even guilt. We recognize people's schedules are full and we don't want to be the ones who tax the precious resource of their time. We may buy into the notion that, as leaders, it would be kinder to be self-sufficient, having it all together and not needing to rely on others for spiritual support, except under extenuating circumstances.

Paul, one of the greatest leaders of the early church, consistently asked for prayer support from his followers. In Romans 15:30-32 and Ephesians 6:19-20, he urged believers to pray for him so he could proclaim the gospel boldly. Paul knew that even with his spiritual authority, he needed the strength and wisdom that comes through a dedicated prayer shield. Interdependence, as well as dependence upon God, together form the path of humility as we accomplish what God has called us to do– it's God's way!

Interdependence, as well as dependence upon God, together form the path of humility as we accomplish what God has called us to do– it's God's way!

Here's the truth: even Jesus, the ultimate leader, sought prayer support from His disciples. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as He faced the agony of the cross, Jesus asked His closest friends to watch and pray with Him (Matthew 26:36-41). If the Son of God recognized the necessity of prayer partnership, how much more should we, as human leaders, embrace it?

Seeking prayer support is not a sign of weakness or inadequacy. On the contrary, it is a mark of humility, wisdom, and dependence on God. By inviting others to intercede on our behalf, we acknowledge that leadership is a spiritual battle, one that cannot be fought alone. We open ourselves up to the reinforcements of Heaven and the collective strength of the body of Christ.

A Personal Journey: Discovering the Power of a Prayer Shield

I admit it wasn't my idea to create a prayer shield when I formed the first one for myself. I learned through doing. Over 15 years ago, when I began serving through the intercessory organization Apostolic Intercessors Network, setting up a personal prayer shield was a requirement, as it still is. They understand that intercessors experience an increase in spiritual warfare when they pray for others encountering spiritual opposition. As intercessors, we need spiritual protection and support to retain resilience and strength to battle on behalf of others.

I confess I felt sheepish asking my friends to pray for me with an actual commitment.

Even so, I confess I felt sheepish asking my friends to pray for me with an actual commitment. To do so seemed like I was making a withdrawal, and it felt far more comfortable to imagine myself giving more than I take in relationships with those I love. I did not want to be a burden!

I asked my friends, "Will you pray for me for one calendar year?" I was shocked when they responded with a wholehearted "YES!" Some of those original prayer shield members are still serving 15 years later, even though every single year, I offer them a wide-open door to move on. It's ironic, really – I look for creative ways to express love to those I cherish. Still, originally, it did not occur to me that my friends might relish an opportunity to express their love for me creatively through targeted intercession.

For those participating on your prayer shield they enjoy the opportunity to express love for you and your call through their faithful intercession. When they experience answers to prayer– in accordance with John 16:24 – their joy is made full!

My second big surprise was the effect of those prayers on my behalf. I saw marked spiritual growth, favor, and acceleration in ministry fruit beyond anything I had experienced previously. My personal testimony and the impressive measurable results I regularly witness to this day in the lives of those served by the intercessory teams created by Apostolic Intercessors Network taught me the importance of creating and maintaining a prayer shield. I began to wonder why anyone would ever want to lead without the support of strategic intercession.

Practical Steps for Establishing a Prayer Shield

If you're ready to experience the life-changing benefits of a prayer shield in your own leadership, here are some practical steps to get you started:

1. Seek God's Guidance: Before you start inviting people to join your prayer shield, take time to seek the Lord's direction. Ask Him to highlight specific individuals with a heart for intercession, a genuine concern for your leadership, and the integrity to maintain strict confidentiality. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you to the right people.

2. Extend a Personal Invitation: Once you have a sense of who God is leading you to invite, reach out to them personally. Share your heart, your vision, and your need for prayer support. Be transparent about the challenges you face and the areas where you long for spiritual covering. Remember, this is an invitation to partnership, which is an affirmation of your trust and respect for that person. It is a blessing even if they feel the need to decline.

3. Establish Regular Communication: Once you have a confirmed set of intercessors, develop a rhythm of consistent communication with your prayer shield members. Share specific prayer requests, updates on your leadership journey, and testimonies of answered prayers. The more informed and engaged your intercessors are, the more effectively they can pray.

4. Foster Authentic Relationships: A prayer shield is more than a task force; it's a community of spiritual companions. Invest time and energy into cultivating genuine relationships with your prayer partners. It takes intentionality to maintain connection, especially for busy leaders. Express your gratitude for their commitment, celebrate their personal victories, and create opportunities for mutual encouragement. The stronger the bonds of friendship and trust, the more powerful the intercession will be. True intercession is born of love!

Embracing the Power of Your Prayer Shield

As we come to the end of our exploration of prayer shields, I want to leave you with this challenge: don’t let the busyness or self-sufficiency of leadership keep you from the vital spiritual support you need. Embrace the necessity of a prayer shield, and take action today to start building your own circle of dedicated intercessors.

When you have a prayer shield surrounding you, you are positioned for greater impact, resilience, and fruitfulness in your leadership.

Remember, you were never meant to carry the weight of leadership alone. God has designed us for interdependence, to lock arms and uplift one another through the power of prayer. When you have a prayer shield surrounding you, you are positioned for greater impact, resilience, and fruitfulness in your leadership.

If this episode has stirred your heart and you’re ready to take your prayer life and leadership to the next level, I want to personally invite you to share your questions and comments below.

I want to remind you to get a complimentary copy of my e-book and audiobook, “Prayer Shield: A Guide to the Strategic Intercession You Need.”

This comprehensive guide goes even deeper into the topics we’ve explored today, with detailed information on setting up your prayer shield, crafting effective prayer strategies, navigating challenges, and exploring advanced topics like spiritual warfare and prophetic intercession. It’s an invaluable resource that will accelerate your growth in prayer and leadership, and I don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity.

Until next time, may you lead with the confidence and strength that comes from being covered in prayer. Remember, your Strategic Intercession family is here to support you every step of the way. God bless you, my friend!

Listen to the Podcast