The Role of the Household Leader: A Man of Prayer
In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions and responsibilities constantly compete for attention, the role of prayer in a man’s life—especially a household leader—can often become secondary. Yet, Scripture repeatedly shows that a man of prayer is not just an accessory to a godly home; he is its foundation. The Bible gives us clear examples of men who led their families, their people, and even entire nations through prayer. A man who leads his home in prayer is a man who understands that his strength is not in himself, but in the Lord.
The Household Leader as a Priest
From the beginning, God has called men to be spiritual leaders in their homes. In Genesis 18:19, God said of Abraham:
"For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."
Abraham’s leadership was not based on his own wisdom or ability, but on his obedience to God and his commitment to prayer. He interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22-33), pleading for mercy on behalf of others. In the same way, the household leader today is called to intercede for his family, to stand in the gap, and to seek God’s guidance and protection over his home.
In the Old Testament, priests were the mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers on their behalf. Though Christ is now our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), men still bear the responsibility of bringing their families before God in prayer. As 1 Timothy 2:8 says:
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."
A household leader who does not pray is a leader who relies on his own strength—an unreliable foundation. A man of prayer, however, acknowledges his dependence on God and models this for his family.
Jesus: The Ultimate Model of a Man of Prayer
No man demonstrated the power and necessity of prayer more than Jesus Himself. Even though He was fully God, He constantly sought communion with the Father.
Mark 1:35 – "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
Luke 5:16 – "And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed."
Luke 6:12 – "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
If the perfect Son of God made prayer a priority, how much more should we?
What Happens When a Man Prays?
1. He Leads His Family in Spiritual Growth
When a man prays, he sets the spiritual tone in his home. His wife and children see that he does not lead based on his own wisdom but submits to God’s. They witness faith in action.
Joshua 24:15 – "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
A praying man ensures that his home is built on truth and not personal ambition.
2. He Secures God’s Protection Over His Home
Job 1:5 tells us that Job regularly interceded for his children, offering sacrifices on their behalf, just in case they had sinned.
Psalm 91:1-2 – "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
A man who prays invites God’s protection into his household. He understands that he cannot control everything but can entrust his family to the One who does.
3. He Cultivates Humility and Dependence on God
A prayerless man is often a prideful man, believing that his hard work, intellect, or effort is enough. But a man who prays acknowledges that he needs God in every aspect of life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
James 1:5 – "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
A praying leader is a humble leader.
4. He Battles Against the Enemy
The enemy seeks to destroy families (John 10:10), but prayer is a weapon of warfare.
Ephesians 6:12 – "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Ephesians 6:18 – "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
A man of prayer fights for his family in the spiritual realm, breaking generational strongholds, praying against temptation, and covering his wife and children in God’s power.
How to Cultivate a Life of Prayer as a Household Leader
Start Your Day with Prayer – Even if it’s just 5-10 minutes, dedicate time in the morning to seek God’s wisdom and direction.
Pray with Your Wife – A marriage built on prayer is a marriage built on Christ.
Pray Over Your Children – Speak God’s blessings and promises over them.
Pray at All Times – Develop the habit of talking to God throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Keep a Prayer Journal – Write down prayer requests and record how God answers them.
The Legacy of a Praying Man
A man of prayer leaves a legacy. His family will remember his prayers long after he is gone. His children will grow up knowing that their father trusted in the Lord. His home will not be built on shifting sand, but on the solid rock of Christ.
Ultimately, a household leader who prays is a man who knows he is not the true leader—God is. He simply stewards what has been entrusted to him, leading his family not with his own wisdom, but through humble, persistent, and fervent prayer.
Will you be a man of prayer?
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." – James 5:16
