Uplifting the Shepherds

The Lord is our Shepherd, and your pastor is the shepherd of the local ‘flock’ (church). He watches for your souls and will give an account to God someday of the souls he has been entrusted to nurture. He needs prayer -- it's important to pray for him passionately and desperately. (Remember, ‘church’ = people, not a building.) 

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Hebrews 13:17 - “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

Life brings trials; we all face them. Our response to trials makes all the difference. Turn toward God instead of away, and keep Him close. Satan attacks God's shepherds because they are the leaders of the flock and the damage is exponential if they fall. Pray that your pastor will flee temptation and be strong in the face of opposition.

2Timothy 3:12-15 – “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Pastoral ministry is a unique business. It is sacred, challenging and even dangerous ... the very souls of people are at stake. It is the church's responsibility to pray for their pastor(s) and his family every day.

1Peter 5:8 - “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

Pray for Encouragement

Pastors often find themselves in the midst of terrible situations on a regular basis – divorce, death, apostasy, and much more. Pray that he fixes his eyes on the eternal rewards and doesn't get discouraged.

Pray for Wisdom

James 1:5 - “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, … and it shall be given him.”

Pastors wear many ‘hats’… marriage counseling, financial advice or support, counseling members with personal or home-life issues ... and many elements of pastoral ministry are not black and white. Pray for God’s wisdom to navigate these gray areas. Pray that he humbles himself continually before God.

Pray for Faithfulness to Sound Doctrine

2Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine …; 4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, …"

Pastors (as well as the church) are often tempted to abandon truthful biblical doctrines for a variety of reasons -- cultural preferences and pressures, vocal church members, legal actions ... leaving them vulnerable to giving up teaching the truth of God's Word. Many Bible colleges today have strayed from teaching the King James Bible, God's True Word, leading pastors astray from the beginning. Women are to teach other women. (1Timothy 2:9-14) This does not mean the man is greater than the woman, it simply means God has appointed men and women different roles within the biblical church.

Pastor's Song - Artist: Donna Jackson

Pray for God's grace for your pastor to learn and teach sound doctrine and for protection from temptation to abandon the precious truths of God's Word.

• Pray that he is sensitive to the leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit.

• Pray for good health, marriage and family. Satan loves to try destroying a pastor’s family.

• Pray that God would strengthen the bonds between him and his wife and encourage them both in ministry.

• Pray for their children, that they would know and follow God.

• Pray for their bodies to be healthy in order to meet the needs of the flock they serve.

• Pray for wisdom to balance marriage, ministry, family and other responsibilities.

• Pray that the church will go the extra mile to support the pastor's marriage by giving them ample time alone together, perhaps sending them on a paid week-long retreat.

Lastly, grow closer in your personal relationship with God by visiting us at VBS4ever.com for spiritual growth and encouragement.

How to become spiritually born (i.e., a Christian)

 PS - Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Read our Thanksgiving Message here