The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

ability groups fail is lack of leadership. The leader doesn't have to be smarter or even more mature, but someone must ask the tough questions, or the group's standards will slide, and real accountability will be lost. If you find yourself in a group without leadership, you don't have to label yourself a leader-just lead. Take the initiative, guide the group in setting the ground rules, liveby them as an example, and ask how commitments are progressing. Those who take it seriously will taste the rich fruit of healthy accountability and will begin either to support your leadership or to share in the responsibility themselves.

10. Look back at PrincipleA. Talk to your Father about how you truly think andfeel about accountability. Ifyou come to the conclusion that it'sworth your while, then continue to 11.

11. Ifyou are not currently involved in an accountability group or partnership, take a few days to pray about the people you might invite to partner with you-perhaps people who will benefit you, or people in whom you can invest, or, preferably, both. Then share the principles of this lesson with them, and start planning togethe1'. 12. Ifyou are currently involved in an accountability group, go back through this les­ son and check offthe principles your group is already using. Then pray over which one or two new principles would be most important for your group to implement, in order to improve your effectiveness. Pray about the best way to present these suggested improvements to your accountability partners. One More Story Growing up, the activity I enjoyed above all else was fishing with my dad. Dad would never fish alone; he always took at least one of us boys. Every time we left the house, he would say, "Fishing is something you do with someone you care about." Later, sitting by the water, I'd ask why it was so important to fish in company. Dad would say, "Some things bring so much joy you want to do them with someone else. When I catch my fish, I want to show it to some­ one who matters to me." Some things are meant to be done together. I believe one is prayer, supported by account­ ability. Throughout the Bible, people prayed together as the norm, not the exception. Together, we can stimulate each other on to greater heights with God than we could ever reach alone. The Next Step How'.s your prayer habit coming along? Is someone helping you? Are you helping someone else? Turn to "1\venty Steps to Daily Prayer" (page 147) and take the next step.