A. WHY PRAY FOR YOUR PASTOR?
1. Because his victories are (your) the church’s victories. “When Moses held up his hand (in prayer), Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed” (Ex. 17:11).
2. Because God’s people are captive to godless forces. Daniel (9:1-23) interceded. “We have sinned and done wrong, and acted wickedly, and rebelled, and turned aside from your commandments” (9:5).
3. Because God’s people don’t know what to do. “Unto us confusion of faces” (v. 7, KJV).
4. Because the enemy plots to discourage and destroy church leaders, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (I Peter. 3:12).
5. Because sheep are dumb, i.e., hurtful, ungrateful, critical, inordinate expectations, etc. “I pray the eyes of my pastor may be enlightened to know the hope of his calling, the glory of his inheritance among the saints, and the exceeding greatness of Christ’s power” (Eph. 1:18-19, ELT).
6. Because he needs to preach in the energy and anointing of the Holy Spirit to change lives” (Luke 4:1, 14, 18).
7. Because lost souls are saved through his ministry. “I (God) sought for a man among them that should . . . stand in the gap before Me” (Ez. 22:30).
8. Because he needs rich times of Bible study and prayer. “We (apostles) will give ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).
9. Because of heavy burdens. “Beside . . . that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches” (Acts 11:28).
10. Because he needs to discipline his time and make good leadership decisions.
11. Because he needs to be a good husband and daddy.
12. Because he needs to be holy, healthy, and wise.
13. Because you help bear his burdens, “Bear one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2).
B. THREE IMPORTANT TIMES TO PRAY FOR YOUR PASTOR
1. Sunday night/Monday morning. After the adrenalin rushes are over, Satan’s key time to attack after a victory, i.e., Ai, Paul in prison, Peter in prison.
2. Saturday night. Pastor’s have a hard time shutting off their minds and sleep. Satan attacks to stop a spiritual victory.
3. Any time the Holy Spirit brings him to mind.
C. KEYS TO MORE EFFECTIVELY PRAYING FOR YOUR PASTOR
1. Cut the criticism; use your prayers to bless him.
2. Squelch gossip. “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself” (James 1:26).
3. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. Nothing helps to ensure prayer like involvement.
4. Be openly responsive. Show him you are listening.
5. Treat him with respect. “Esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (I Thess. 5:12-13).
6. Forget the good ole days elsewhere. Don’t expect him to do everything another pastor did.
7. Thank God for the calling, gifts, and abilities of your pastor.
8. Pray for opportunities.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints -- and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:18-19).
9. Pray against those who try to hurt or criticize him.
10. Pray for him to have a spirit of excitement as he preaches.
11. Pray for a discerning mind to prioritize his time.
12. Pray for the pastor’s wife and children.
13. Pray for the pastor’s staff and workers. “The pastor is no more successful than the effectiveness of the workers around him.” –John Maxwell
D. A GENERAL GUIDE TO PRAYER
* Pray for spiritual and physical protection
* Pray for wisdom and understanding
* Pray for spiritual and physical strength
* Pray for his marriage and family
* Pray for finances (Satan’s chief attack)
* Pray for his daily walk with God
* Pray for opportunities to minister
* Pray for a shepherd’s heart
* Pray for growing leadership abilities
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.
