Ten Takeaways on How Leaders Should Pray

Lessons from Solomon’s Prayer in 1 Kings 8:22–61

This week is the National Day of Prayer. As I was reading 1 Kings 8, I thought about the need for us to pray well as pastors, church leaders, and followers seeking to serve the Lord Jesus. While later on Solomon gives us some bad examples as a leader, 1 Kings 8 records a prayer that offers some takeaways on how leaders should pray.

Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple is an example of a public, humble, God-centered leadership prayer in Scripture. It shows how leaders may approach God on behalf of the people they serve.

 

1. Pray with Humility Before God

 Solomon stands before the altar, then kneels with hands lifted to heaven (v.22, 54). Approach God with reverence, not pride. Remember leadership is stewardship, not ownership. Depend on God, not your role or experience.

 

2. Begin with Worship, Not Requests

“Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You…” (v.23). Solomon starts by honoring God’s greatness and uniqueness. Effective prayer begins with who God is, not what we need. Start prayers with praise and adoration. Focus your heart on God before presenting needs. Lead others in God-centered worship.

 

3. Remember God’s Faithfulness

God fulfilled His promise to David (v.24). Rehearsing God’s past faithfulness strengthens present faith. Recall how God has worked in the past. Share testimonies to encourage others. Build confidence in God’s promises.

 

4. Pray According to God’s Word

Solomon refers to God’s promises and asks Him to continue fulfilling them (v.25–26). Strong prayers are grounded in Scripture, not just emotion. Pray God’s promises back to Him. Let Scripture shape your requests. Align your desires with God’s will.

 

5. Acknowledge God’s Greatness and Sovereignty 

“The heaven of heavens cannot contain You…” (v.27).  Leaders must keep a high view of God. Recognize God is greater than any problem you face. Avoid reducing God to your circumstances. Lead with confidence in God’s power.

 

6. Intercede Specifically for Real Situations

Solomon prays through multiple real-life situations:

  • Disputes (v.31–32)

  • Defeat (v.33–34)

  • Drought (v.35–36)

  • Famine and crisis (v.37–40)

  • Captivity (v.46–50)

Pray specifically for the needs of their people. Pray for real challenges your team or church face. Be specific, not vague. Cover both spiritual and practical needs

 

7. Acknowledge Sin and Lead in Repentance 

“There is no one that does not sin…” (v.46). Godly leaders don’t ignore sin—they address it with humility. Confess personal and corporate sin. Lead by example in repentance. Create a culture of grace and restoration.

 

8. Trust God’s Mercy and Forgiveness

Repeated request: “Hear… forgive… restore” (v.30, 34, 36). Trust God to forgive and restore.

 

9. Pray with a Heart for Others and the Nations

Solomon includes others: “Moreover concerning a stranger…” (v.41–43).  Godly leadership has a global, outward focus. Pray beyond your immediate circle. Care about outreach and missions. Lead in a way that points others to God.

 

 

10. Call People to Continued Faithfulness

Solomon ends by urging the people to remain committed to God (v.56–61). Prayer should lead to obedience. Connect prayer with action.

 

A Prayer List from 1 Kings 8

  1. Praise God – Who He is

  2. Remember – What He has done

  3. Ask – Specific needs

  4. Confess – Sin and shortcomings

  5. Intercede – For others

  6. Commit – To obedience

 

Prayer: “Lord, teach me to lead on my knees—honoring You, serving others, and trusting Your mercy.”

The SBCV seeks to encourage churches as they lead people to pray. For some more resources see: sbcv.org/prayer

Ishmael LaBiosa