I remember at a church I used to attend, I was considered a leader. In one leadership meeting, the pastor said, “As leaders, I do not want you to come to the alter for prayer.” He was insinuating that we are to look like we have it all together. I thought how far from the truth that was. It goes directly against the heart of biblical leadership, which emphasizes humility, dependence on God, and transparency.
Jesus is our prime example, Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Jesus, who was sinless, still consistently went to the Father in prayer. He didn’t pretend to “have it all together” in a human sense. He demonstrated vulnerability, especially in the Garden of Gethsemane:
Matthew 26:38-39 – “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death... Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed...”
Even Jesus, the Son of God, did not hide His anguish. He modeled for leaders what it means to be fully surrendered.
David too, mighty king and spiritual leader, yet openly repentant and prayerful.
Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
When he sinned, he didn’t fake perfection, he fell on his face before God and wrote psalms of repentance. Leaders don’t need to look strong, they need to be real before God and others.
In Exodus 3-4, Moses repeatedly tells God he feels inadequate for the task of leading Israel. He even argues with God about not being a good speaker.
Exodus 4:10 – “O Lord, I have never been eloquent... I am slow of speech and tongue.”
God never told him to pretend to be confident. Instead, God responded with His presence and power. Leadership in the Bible often begins with someone admitting they don’t have it all together.
Paul was arguably the most influential leader in the early church, yet he was constantly open about his weakness:
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses...”
Paul didn’t posture; he humbled himself, even when it was uncomfortable. That’s what made him powerful in the Spirit.
And we have Peter, a top leader among the disciples, denied Jesus. His restoration by Jesus (John 21) was public and loving. Jesus didn’t shame him for being broken — He met him in his vulnerability.
The Altar Is Not Just for the “Broken” — It’s for the Hungry
The altar is not about shame, it’s about surrender. When leaders model surrender, they give others permission to do the same.
Ok, I say all of that to say that sometimes we need other’s faith to push us to the next step.
Our lives, this journey is not linear, it is all over the place. One moment you are at peace in your own home, great job, and great friends, and then something impacts that, making you have to change your plans, and you have to transition to something else and it was all unexpected. That can be overwhelming.
Maybe you have experienced an extended time of trauma as a child and you cannot fathom the idea of there being a God who can allow this to happen, but there were praying people in your corner and it kept you from “losing it”.
I grew up in the church, where I was there 4-5 times a week. I was involved and enjoyed it but it was religion and tradition, not relationship. My mom, full of faith raised me in the church, prayed for me nonstop and while I did leave the church to explore, it was her many prayers that sustained me. I was borrowing her faith and had no idea.
We will go through this life having really strong faith to very little faith and that is ok. That is when we can borrow faith and lend it!
So you are probably like, how do you borrow faith, I am glad you asked. Here are 6 ways to borrow faith when you need more.
How and Where to Borrow Faith
The Bible- There are so many promises that God has given us that can increase our faith. His Word is living and true, and will feed you what you need.
Testimonies- From the Bible and others. The Bible is filled with testimonies, my favorite is Hannah, seeing how God heard her and blessed her always encourages me, strengthening my faith. There was a time I sat in church and a woman told her testimony and it was life-changing for me, I hung on to her every word and it shifted something in me that made me see the power of God in a new way!
Prayers- Finding people that can encourage you through prayer is very beneficial. Whether on the phone, text, email, or in-person, prayer works! Hearing others go to God on your behalf believing that God will do what He said He would do is strengthening.
Community- Doing life alone is insane, especially for Christians. Being around other believers who are transparent and open about their faith walk and their life will show you that we do not have it all together and we need one another to fill in the gap when needed.
Worship- Sometimes you don't have the words, but a worship song becomes your prayer, your declaration. Music inspired by Scripture reminds your soul of what’s true even when your heart doesn’t feel it yet. Singing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” when you're not feeling it? That's borrowing faith from the saints who wrote it and those around you who are still singing it.
Prophetic Word or Encouragement- You have no idea how much my faith has been strengthened by people, family and strangers that looked at me, saw me and told me things. They support my artwork, they tell me I can do it! The simple encouragement can do so much in your life. Hear the encouragement and add it to the fuel for your fire. When someone speaks a word of encouragement or prophecy over you, it can act as a lifeline. Even if you can't believe for yourself in the moment, their Spirit-led words hold you up.
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”
— Romans 1:17 (NKJV)
This verse, the part that says, from faith to faith has many interpretations, but one that resonates with me is that faith is passed on from person to person. That faith is infectious. Much like a smile, it is hard to not return the smile that was received from others. Faith though, a much deeper movement. It helps change lives.
How to Lend Your Faith
Now maybe you are in a season where your faith cup is overflowing and you have more than enough to share with others. Here are 5 ways to share your faith:
1. Pray Bold Prayers for Someone Else
Stand in the gap. Declare what they may not yet believe. Remind God of His promises on their behalf. Your boldness in prayer can give someone strength and peace.
“Lord, I know You’re a healer. Even if she doesn’t feel it right now, I believe it for her.”
2. Speak Life-Giving Words
When someone is struggling, don’t just say “I’m praying for you.” Speak truth over them. Text them a verse. Tell them what you see in them. Remind them of God's goodness. Be specific.
“I know you feel unseen, but I see the strength in you and I know God hasn’t forgotten you. You’re not finished.”
3. Share Your Story, Even the Messy Parts
Your testimony is not just for you, it’s a tool to help someone else walk through their valley. Be honest about how God met you when you didn’t have the strength to believe.
4. Be Present, Ministry of Presence
Sometimes lending faith looks like just being there. Sitting beside someone without trying to fix it. Your quiet presence can be a reminder that God hasn't left them either.
“Where two or more are gathered…” even in silence, He is near.
5. Believe With Them, Not Just For Them
Instead of saying, “You’ll be okay,” say, “We’re going to trust God together. I’ll believe with you until your faith rises again.”
Reflection & Journaling Prompts
Theme: Borrowing & Lending Faith
PART 1: When You Need to Borrow Faith
Describe a time when your faith felt low or uncertain.
What were you feeling?
What did you need from God in that season?
Who or what helped you borrow faith during that time?
Was it Scripture, a person’s encouragement, a testimony, or worship?
Which promise in the Bible do you want to cling to right now to increase your faith?
Write it out and personalize it with your name.
What song, sermon, or testimony has recently stirred something in you?
Why did it impact you? What did it remind you about God?
What area of your life do you feel too tired to pray boldly about?
Write a short prayer asking God to send someone to stand in the gap for you.
PART 2: When You're Called to Lend Faith
Think of someone in your life who might need borrowed faith right now.
How can you encourage or pray for them this week?
What would it look like for you to speak life-giving words to someone struggling?
Write a message or letter (even if you don’t send it).
Have you been afraid to share your testimony or story? Why?
What part of your journey could bless someone else if you were brave enough to speak it?
Reflect on the friends who lowered the paralyzed man to Jesus (Mark 2:1–5).
Are you that kind of friend?
When has someone “carried” you in your weakness?
Ask yourself:
Where is God calling me to lend my faith this week?
What small act of obedience can I take that will lift someone else?
PART 3: Faith in Community
How has community helped you stay grounded in your faith?
What do you need more of: vulnerability, accountability, encouragement?
Are you trying to walk out your faith alone? Why or why not?
What is one step you can take to invite others into your faith walk?
Write a prayer asking God to help you become both a borrower and a lender of faith.
Grace and Peace,
CicelyRenee
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