How to pray for Jordan Peterson

Recently, Jordan Peterson spoke at Liberty University's Convocations. In the last couple of minutes on stage, the host asked Jordan what things he would like included in a prayer offered on his behalf.

His humble, sincere answer brought tears to my eyes. It is also a prayer that I (and probably all of us) need. Here's what he said:

"My fervent hope, and perhaps this is something that could be transformed into a prayer, is that the mistakes that I am inevitably going to make while I am pursuing - that I don't pay an undue price for the mistakes that I am inevitably going to make as I pursue what I am pursuing. That is my fervent hope. And it has been since all this is broken around me, that I would be careful enough in my speech - that's the logos - that I would be careful enough in my speech so that I would stay on the right track, on the straight and narrow path, and fulfill whatever obligations are my privilege to fulfill. And what I hope from the people that are supporting me is that, if they wish to pray for me, is that I am careful enough - I remain careful enough, and fortunate enough, so that my inevitable faults don't interfere too catastrophically with whatever good I might be able to do."

For those of you who follow Jordan Peterson's work in the public, you will know that although he is deeply concerned about doing good, he is both hated and loved. I, for one, am grateful for his courage to help people stand up and do their best, to speak truth, take responsibility for their lives, and think deeply about their choices. I don't think that is an easy thing to do. I don't think he is doing what he is doing because its fun. He is choosing an uncomfortable path with the hope of bettering the world.

And I will pray for him. I think he needs our prayers. There is little else in the world lonelier than brave leadership.