4 Ways to Pray for Your Pastor - How To Pray For Your Pastor
4 Ways to Pray for Your Pastor
Do you pray for your pastor? I've been married to a pastor for over 7 years so I understand better than most that they need to be lifted up in the middle of messy ministry. I would love for more people to be engaged, and I would love for you to KNOW how you can pray for your pastor.One of my husband's favorite Red-Letter quotes is: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus PROMISES that He will build His church. And that nothing will beat the church. Not government.... or atheism. Not even Satan.I have also seen the direct benefits of prayer in the ministry of the church.What would happen if EVERY church member regularly made it their mission to pray for their pastor? What kind of things do you think would happen?
How to Pray For Your PastorPray for His Spiritual Walk
I think more people would be faithful in praying for their pastors if they saw the hard work they do on a daily basis. They are often Counselor/Mediator/Administrator/Cook/ Secretary/Janitor/Graphic Designer/Sermon Prep. Some even do the church yard work. Give your pastor the prayer support he needs to be continually walking in the Spirit in all he does. And don't assume that he sits in his office reading all day. For most pastors, this is just not possible!
Pray these scriptures over your pastor's spiritual walk:
Psalm 73:28: "But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works."James 4:8: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
How To Pray For Your PastorPray for Spiritual Protection
Have you ever wondered why those pastor scandals make the local and national news? They really do happen (usually regarding money and sex) and because the secular world WANTS pastors to fail!Pastors are in a DANGEROUS occupation! Satan wants them to fail. He is lurking around every corner looking for a way to get them to fall. Be a prayer warrior for your pastor while he is preaching. Pray for him throughout the week as he is doing ministry.Pray that he is not discouraged and that has the full armor of God so that he doesn't fall into the same pits that other pastors and teachers have.
Protect your pastor from spiritual attacks by praying this IMPORTANT PASSAGE. Ask God to give your pastor strength.
Ephesians 6:10-18: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..."
How to Pray For Your PastorPray for His Wife
Some say that a pastor's ministry is only as strong as his marriage.
Ask God to bless your pastor's wife, that she doesn't feel discouraged, that she will be able to build him up. Pray that Satan isn't successful in breaking up their marriage.
Pray these verses over their marriage:
Mark 10:9: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."Ephesians 5:25-29: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, ..."Ephesians 5:33: "However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
How to Pray For Your PastorPray for His Family
The typical pastor is expected to be a 24/7 shift for 365 (sometimes 366!) days a year.
(And most pastors make less salary than their average churchgoer.) Don't assume that your pastor has the perfect family life, but PRAY that he will! Help him and his wife, befriend his children! Offer to take the kids so the couple can have a date night. You need to PRAY for his kids and help mentor his kids! Pray these verses for your pastor's family life.Ephesians 6:1-4: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.."Deuteronomy 11:19: "You shall teach [God's laws] to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."Psalms 127:3: "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,The fruit of the womb a reward."
WOW! I gave you a big mission. God wants us to lift up our leaders. You should pray for your pastor! I hope you will take my challenge seriously and commit to praying for your pastor and his family every day this week. I know as a pastor's wife, I would appreciate it for my husband! Just in case you weren't convinced yet, I thought I'd leave you with this command from 1 Timothy 2:1-3:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior…”
From one pastor's wife... I look forward to seeing the churches of America strengthened by the prayers of God's people. Thank you in advance! 
Tell me what you think!
What would happen if EVERY church member regularly made it their mission to pray for their pastor? Do you pray for your pastor? What kind of things do you think would happen if more people were intentional about praying for their spiritual leaders?
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