April 24, 2016

Pray For Your Pastor

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. -- Ephesians 6:19-20

How often do you pray for your pastor? Seriously. How often do you lift your pastor up in prayer?

For most of us, the answer is “not often.” I’m not sure why but it is one area where I simply fail. I know better so I’m not sure why I’m not consistently doing this.

Maybe it’s because we assume deep inside that pastors are covered with some type of special grace. Maybe we don’t think they need our prayers. They do need prayers because their job is hard.

It’s not about showing up on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Though sermons and studies are important, that really is a small part of what they do.

Most pastors also function as CEO of the church and deal with the day to day issues that come up. There are budgets and staff and maintenance and all sorts of things needing their attention.

And that’s before you get to the people. Somebody is always in the middle of a fuss with somebody else. Pastors are seen as good mediators. Frankly, I’d get tired and cranky just dealing with all the squabbles.

Then there are those who come to the church seeking help. Some people are truly in need. Others simply try to play the Christian card and get a handout. Nobody wants to be an enabler and nobody wants to turn someone away who truly has a need. It’s a fine line and one most pastors walk frequently.

We can’t forget all of us. The flock. We get sick. We die. We divorce. And we never do it when it’s convenient. Our current pastor literally got up in the middle of the night and drove 35 miles to pray with me in the ICU waiting room I certainly didn’t expect it. I hadn’t asked her to come. But I was so grateful.

Isn’t that always true? When you’re going through something awful, you want your pastor there with you. Somehow their presence helps strengthen us, their prayers mean the world to us.

So we all should pray for our pastors. Pray that they’ll find the words they need to inspire new generations to follow Christ. Pray that they’ll find the balance between their own family and the church family they serve. Pray for workers to help them carry the load. Pray for strength and wisdom.

Today is Sunday. Have you prayed for your pastor? Then stop and do it now.