September 9, 2021 | NANNM, NMCN

PRAY FOR NURSING LEADERS, DON’T CURSE THEM

BY JUDE CHIEDU
You must have heard the popular adage “the pen is mightier than the sword, well that had been my philosophy, The Nursingworld website had given me a platform to write though not with a pen but with my keyboard. While i cannot for sure say how many articles i have written directed at every Nurising leader i can think of, It was my sincere belief that one way or the other my articles would put them under pressure to do the needfull
Have my editorial swipes at these nurse leaders changed any thing? NO.
I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with Men and Women at the helm of affairs in Nigerian nursing profession, and I have come to realize that these guys are not super heros, These guys do not posses any magic wand, they are regular folks, fathers, mothers, our own brothers and sisters.
My interaction with them opened my eyes to the obvious truth, they dont have all the answers to the problems bedeviling our profession. One thing seems obvious, they are giving their best, doing their best and improving at it one day at a time. I have never held a position of authority so i cannot for sure say what it feels like to be bestowed with so much burden and responsibility.

So Today, i choose to Pray for them. Come to think of it, even the bible commands us to pray for our leaders. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 “I urge, then first of all, that prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives …..
Praying for our nurse leaders makes practical sense. Our leaders can affect the conditions we practise in and their actions or inactions have an impact on our career path, economic status etc. Even if they are bad leaders; When evil men are in authority, our prayers for them are just as needed, as illustrated by William Tyndale’s last words as he was being burned at the stake: “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.”
Leadership can be a tiring task. James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Leaders carry a degree and burden of responsibility to their followers. They are often the targets of criticism and the go-to people in a crisis.
They say uneasy lies the head that wears the crown So this morning i choose to pray for them. I choose to pray for them because i have come to recognize the greatness of their task and because i am grateful for their willingness to lead. Romans 13:1 says “let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has Established”, in essense it is the hand of God that put them where they are today, whom are my to judge?
My prayer for them today is that God will guide them as they guide us. I pray that they be wise and discerning and surrounded by knowledgable advisors. Knowing that he (God) has placed these leaders in authority over us (Romans 13:1), I ask Him to use them as He will. I also pray for their protection. I pray that God gives them the strength to carry this professional cross to fruition, I pray that they may not tire or be weary, I pray that God inspires them on the right path to lead the profession to greatness.
Today, i ask God in prayer to have his way in their hearts, to support them and those around them and to use their leadership to benefit us thier followers, these and many more i ask in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit
AMEN