We owe so much to our Pastors that have been shepherding us. Often times, Jesus-likeness can seem very abstract. But that abstraction becomes grounded in the life of a pastor. In other words, they show many congregants what it looks like to live like Jesus in this world. This is a beautiful thing.
They pour their hearts into their congregations, preaching week after week. They take care of practicalities that nobody sees. They refresh and edify so many.
For these reasons, we ought to pour out our prayers for them. Even more so, as we pray for each other, it fulfils the command of loving each other as Christ has loved us, and carrying each other’s burdens.
With all this in mind, we know the importance of praying for our Pastors. But sometimes it can be overwhelming in knowing where to start. The following includes some ideas and sample prayers.
Fresh revelations
“Open my eyes that I might behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm chapter 119, verse 18)
Lord, your word is more precious than gold. Open up the eyes of my Pastor, that they might see wonderful things in your word. Let them find beauty and treasure in your scriptures, so that they might teach from a place of wonder and awe. Please bring wisdom and revelation in their sermon preparation. Let them treat your Word with care and reverence.
Pray they wouldn’t lose heart
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians chapter 15, verse 58)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians chapter 6, verse 9)
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians chapter 4, verse 16)
Lord, every seed we sow into your kingdom is worth it. You water it faithfully. May you encourage my pastor today that you notice and care about his endeavours for your kingdom. Nothing is in vain! Let your kingdom come on this earth. May you refresh my pastor with new zeal.
Continual thanks
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians chapter 1, verse 16)
“We give thanks to God always for all of you constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” (1 Thessalonians chapter 1, verse 2)
Thank you, Lord, for the faithful Shepherd I have investing into me. Thank you for the sacrifices they make. Thank you for the truth they preach. Thank you for the Christ-like character they exhibit. Thank you for all the things they do behind the scenes that I don’t see. Thank you God that you see and honour all their hard work and dedication.
Pray for refreshment
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” (Psalm chapter 23, verse 1 to 3a)
“They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.” (Psalm chapter 36, verse 8)
There is nothing like your presence Lord. You, Lord, are the fountain of all refreshment. Nobody can satisfy like you can. Would you pour out your refreshment for my pastor. Would my pastor drink from your river of delights. Would you lay my pastor down in green pastures and refresh them deeply.
Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filed with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
Thank you Lord for being a God who speaks to his children. Would you grant spiritual insight to my Pastor. Would you make your will evident. Thank you Lord, for spiritual wisdom that is so essential for ministry.
Pray for a worthy life
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” (Ephesians chapter 4, verse 1)
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians chapter 1, verse 9 to 10).
Lord, let the life of my Pastor be a sweet aroma to you. May you find delight in my Pastor’s walk. Only you, Lord, can move them from glory to glory. You have the power to transform and bring them to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. May you be glorified in my Pastor’s life. May they be a godly example to many.
Reciprocation
“Sermons are a two way street.” This is what Bob Utley, a Professor of Hermeneutics, said during a message on sermon preparation. He went on to say we should ask our people to pray at assigned times for their pastor’s sermon preparation.
I thought this was so counter intuitive. I think a majority attitude in churches, is that the Pastor gives and gives to us, and the congregation have no obligation to them. It’s a consumeristic attitude.
Praying for our pastors and church leaders fights against this current. When we give thanks continually, we may even see some of the criticism melt away from our hearts.
So, let’s lift up our Shepherds to the Lord. Because it’s only right. They have given so much to us, so let us give what we can to them.
“The generous will prosper, those who refresh others, will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs chapter 11, verse 25)