Linger with God
What a temptation it is, when it's late and you're tired, saying a quick prayer "just to get it over with" and flopping into bed. If this becomes a habit, it could affect your leadership potential for God.
Look back on the great leaders whom God raised up for His purposes. They all had one thing in common: they loved to linger in the presence of God. The book of Exodus describes how, even after Moses finished communing with God, Joshua stayed behind in the prayer tent just to be with Him. Nothing could pull him away.
It is from just such an attitude that great spiritual leaders are made. They love God and live to be with Him. God Himself tells us, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me...That I may cause those who love me to inherit (true) riches, and that I may fill their treasuries" (Proverbs 8:17, 21, AMPC).
God loves you and wants to answer your prayer. Say this prayer with me:
Heavenly Father, since time is short, and each night precious, help me to use every possible moment to get to know You. I bind all temptation to take the "easy way out" and go to sleep before I have honored You. Grant me the self-control to draw close to You in genuine fellowship, so I may sleep in utmost serenity, knowing that even my hours of rest have been turned over to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.