Prayer is the easiest and hardest of all things; the simplest and the sublimest; the weakest and the most powerful; its results lie outside the range of human possibilities-they are limited only by the omnipotence of God.
Edward Mckendree BoundsRead
Paul, Luther, Wesley —what would these chosen ones of God be without the distinguishing and controlling element of prayer? They were leaders for God because mighty in prayer. They were not leaders because of brilliancy in thought, because exhaustless in resources, because of their magnificent culture or native endowment, but leaders because by the power of prayer they could command the power of God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership is rooted in the power of prayer rather than personal brilliance or resources.
This quote emphasizes that true leadership, particularly in a spiritual context, is fundamentally tied to the act of prayer. The leaders mentioned were not distinguished by their intellect or skills but by their deep connection with God, which was facilitated through prayer, enabling them to access divine power and guidance in their leadership roles.
Themes
LeadershipPrayerSpiritualityPowerGuidance
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about the importance of spiritual leaders, this quote can highlight the role of prayer in effective leadership.
More from Edward Mckendree Bounds
All quotes →Leaders in the realm of religious activity are to be judged by their praying habits and not by their money or social position. Those who must be placed in the forefront of the Church's business must be, first of all, men who know how to pray.
Edward Mckendree BoundsRead
No erudition, no purity of diction, no width of mental outlook, no flowers of eloquence, no grace of person can atone for lack of fire. Prayer ascends by fire. Flame gives prayer access as well as wings, acceptance as well as energy. There is no incense without fire; no prayer without flame.
Edward Mckendree BoundsRead
Importunity is a condition of prayer. We are to press the matter, not with vain repetitions, but with urgent repetitions. We repeat, not to count the times, but to gain the prayer. We cannot quit praying because heart and soul are in it. We pray "with all perseverance." We hang to our prayers because by them we live. We press our pleas because we must have them, or die.
Edward Mckendree BoundsRead
We may excuse the spiritual poverty of our preaching in many ways, but the true secret will be found in the lack of urgent prayer for God's presence in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Edward Mckendree BoundsRead
Faith, and hope, and patience and all the strong, beautiful, vital forces of piety are withered and dead in a prayerless life. The life of the individual believer, his personal salvation, and personal Christian graces have their being, bloom, and fruitage in prayer.
Edward Mckendree BoundsRead
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