ByPastoring is hard without private intimacy with God. But sometimes, ministers get overloaded with the work of the ministry – congregants calling to deal with issues, family pressures and other times, pressure to plan and meet deadlines.
Growing up as a pastor’s child, my life has been filled with spiritual experiences and training. I learned and still learning about the Bible, prayed, and sang worship songs at home, especially at morning devotions, where everyone had something to do as part of the service. We often shared our quiet times. And also, the last part of the session for advising.
Being a pastor’s child gave me valuable opportunities to contribute to various church activities, such as teaching Sunday school, playing musical instruments, leading prayers, and engaging in numerous other roles within the church community. However, being in the spotlight was sometimes hard. People expected me to be perfect because of my dad’s work as a pastor. It made me feel a bit pressured at times. My dad, being a regional superintendent of Assemblies Of God, periodically keeps him very busy, which makes it hard to find a balance between our family life and his responsibilities.
But many people still come to him, expecting him to do what they want without caring about his health. He, just like other pastors, needs help. And today, in this article, we will explore three reasons why you should pray for your pastor frequently.
1. You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain
In 1st Timothy 5:18, it is written that those who labour in ministry are worthy of receiving their wages (financial support). Although this verse specifically refers to providing for pastors’ material and other physical needs, with this same verse, we can have the idea of sowing seeds of prayer into pastors’ lives.
Since God uses people to bring blessings to others, we can also pray to Him to touch the hearts of individuals in order to bless His pastors. It is not always about going to their houses and presenting physical or material items. You can pray to God for him to bless your pastor in many ways. Just as it would be unfair not to feed an ox while treading out the grain, it is selfish for church members to expect spiritual nourishment and growth from their pastor without praying for them.
When the congregation or anyone prays for their pastor, it creates a harmonious relationship where both parties are mutually supportive. And yes, there can be times during church gatherings when the prayer leader, after each prayer point, specifically raises a prayer point for the pastor and his family. Always remember that it is good to pray for your pastor and his family in secrecy.
When a church prays for their pastor’s mental health, they request God’s assistance and support for him.
2. For the Word of God to keep flowing as they preach the gospel
In Ephesians 6:19, the apostle Paul humbly requested the Ephesian church to pray for him so that he may fearlessly preach the gospel, not just “preach” the gospel. But what? Fearlessly preach the gospel?
From my dictionary, the word “fearlessly” means “with a lack of fear.” That means some preachers can’t preach well because of fear. Such don’t preach convicting messages because they are afraid of being arrested or attacked. Some are also shy to stand before the congregation, especially the upcoming pastors. But let’s not forget that it is the Holy Spirit that strengthens us to do everything we do unto God’s glory, including preaching.
Why shouldn’t we pray for our pastors that God should fill them with the power of the Spirit, as he did to the apostles, so much so that even Peter, who betrayed Jesus 3 times, won many souls for Jesus through his preaching? Moses complained that he can’t talk in front of Pharaoh because he stammers. But what did God say? He said,
“Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it, not I, the Lord? Now, therefore, go and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.”
Exodus 4:11-12
It is only God who can help the preacher stand before people every week. When the church prays for her pastor’s preaching ministry, it opens doors for the Word of God to flow with power and impact the hearts of the listeners. Why? Because God is the one delivering the message to the members and the pastor himself.
3. For sanity in their mental health
Sometimes, being a minister can be very tough. Pastors sometimes feel sad, stressed and lonely. It’s not easy to be a person many others depend on to get spiritual food each week.
When a church prays for their pastor’s mental health, they request God’s assistance and support for him. Similar to when we pray for an ill person to recover, praying for pastors can also improve their well-being. It’s akin to providing them with a surge of happiness and resilience during despair.
In conclusion, prayer plays a pivotal role in the life and ministry of a pastor. By actively praying for your pastor, you participate in uplifting and strengthening his divine calling. Your prayers sow seeds of support and nourishment, allowing your pastor to be spiritually fed by God and equipped to lead and guide the congregation effectively. Let us fervently pray for our pastors, knowing that our prayers make a difference and uphold the ministry with love and grace.
