In your majesty ride forth victoriously
     in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
     let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.

Psalm 45:4

Prelude

Psalm 45 is a prayer for a king on the occasion of his wedding. Verse 4 sounds like it could be about God. Yet, in this context, it is actually a prayer to God that is spoken as if to the king himself.

As we seek to pray this psalm in our own lives, most of us do not have literal kings for whom to pray. But we do have leaders in government, business, school, church, and many other contexts. We can surely pray for them in the mode of Psalm 45.

The prayer offered below, however, is meant to help you focus on your own leadership. You may be a leader in a business, an organization, or a family. You may have an official title or an unofficial but significant role. Almost all of us are leaders in one context or another. So, this prayer uses the imagery of Psalm 45 to guide our prayers for the leadership we exercise in the places God has placed us, especially in our workplaces.

Prayer

Gracious God, as I reflect on Psalm 45, I’m struck by how this psalm teaches me to pray for leaders, including me. I’m not a king, but you have given me authority to lead. I want to exercise my leadership in a way that reflects and honors you.

So I ask, Lord, that my leadership be grounded on truth. Most of all, may all that I do be guided by your truth revealed in Scripture. May I follow your Word as I lead, whether making difficult business decisions, working with my colleagues, or helping my children to thrive. Moreover, may my leadership be characterized by truthfulness in all things. Help me to be honest, even when it feels risky. Keep me from exaggeration or self-serving excuses. May I speak the truth in love in all situations.

I also ask for humility. This virtue is in short supply today, as you know, Lord. It’s easy for me to get caught in the cultural current of self-importance and self-promotion. I can believe that I know better, even that I am better than others. I can fail to listen to the wisdom of other people unless, of course, it supports my own. Help me to be humble, not just in my words or even my deeds, but also in my heart.

May I be a just leader in all I do. Help me to treat all people rightly, even and especially when relationships are strained. Give me wisdom to ensure that the structures and systems in my control are embody your justice. May I contribute to a more just world, one in which all people experience the peace and flourishing of your kingdom.

O Lord, may what I accomplish as a leader be awesome because you are awesome. May my successes reflect your own excellence. May my shortcomings remind me of your amazing grace. To you be all the glory! Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

As you lead today, let your leadership be characterized by truthfulness, humility, and justice.

For Further Reflection

Read all of Psalm 45, paying attention to what the Spirit of God is stirring up in your heart, especially in relationship to your work. Talk with God about what you are thinking and feeling.

You might also reflect on the following passage from the Psalms:

The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble!
     He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
The LORD is great in Zion;
     he is exalted over all the peoples.
Let them praise your great and awesome name.
     Holy is he!
Mighty King, lover of justice,
     you have established equity;
you have executed justice
     and righteousness in Jacob.
Extol the LORD our God;
     worship at his footstool.
     Holy is he! – Psalm 99:1-5

This prayer is part of a collection: 52 Workday Prayers: Learn from the Psalms How to Pray through Your Work. To purchase this devotional and small group guide, visit the De Pree Center store.