A Pastor’s Prayer Request

Scripture:  Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written:  “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Romans 10:17  So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

I Timothy 5:17 states Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

The verses above are speaking of the Preacher, the Shepherd, the Bishop, the Elder who preaches as of the oracles of God, and the last verse points to how they are worthy of our honor.  Honor, we know, means to highly respect, or to hold a subject in great esteem.  In most cases,  those who are to be honored wear special garments, which signify strength and greatness.  Garments of greatness could be highlighted with Ephesians 6:10-20 in which Paul, a preacher, describes the whole armor of God.  This armor, as stated, enables one to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Included in the list of armor but not limited to, is the act of praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.  Praying for our leader can be considered an act of honor.  And so how do we get started in honoring/praying for the one God has assigned to rule over us?  How are we to pray? What would likely be his prayer request?  Well, the Preacher/Pastor would on many occasions want effectual prayers; serious prayers that can get the attention of our God; prayers that would overturn evil plots; prayers that would confirm the presence of the hedge of protection God gives; prayers which would keep sickness/disease away; prayers that would preserve him to speak with readiness to proclaim/defend the Blood of Jesus (gospel); prayers which would give Him liberty to challenge the ungodly and to penetrate dark places (cause hearers to be uncomfortable with sin); prayers that would remove stumbling blocks; prayers of guidance to continue building the church on sound doctrine; prayers which would save, heal and deliver the hearers; prayers of boldness, fearlessness, courageous despite the eyes of people  (Ephesians 6:19).  James 5:16b declares:  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. So we pray for our leader.  He is on the frontline.  He will be as great as our prayers are on his behalf.  He has such a tall order to fill.  2 Timothy 4:2  encourages the preacher to preach in and out of season.  We should want our leader to be as Paul stated in Acts 28:30 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Prayer:  Jesus thank You so much for Your plans and purposes.  We are grateful for Your desire to unveil the mysteries of our faith.  Grateful, You have called elders, bishops, preachers to teach and proclaim Your Word until Your return.  Lord, help us to be good stewards over our assigned leader.  We should aspire to pray always with fervent prayers for him so that he can fight a good fight and keep the faith until You return, Oh Lord, to get us.  Thank You so very much - In Jesus’ Name-Amen.

(by Lisa Williams)