Monday, 13 May 2024
PRAY FOR YOUR PASTORS
Brethren, pray for us (1 Thessalonians 5:25).
In the book of Acts, the Bible tells us how King Herod had the Apostle James put to death by the sword (Acts 12:1-2). He found that this pleased the Jews and he apprehended Peter also with a plan to have him killed.
When James was arrested and killed, the church hadn’t understood the importance of intercession. Upon Peter’s arrest, however, they immediately realized that they had serious business to attend to. The Bible says “…but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5). The church prayed without ceasing. They needed to have a change and they got it.
Sometimes, I wonder how many people pray for their pastors and leaders. It’s really important to do this. You have to pray for them because you need them. The Lord put them there to help you and train you in the things of the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Hebrews 13:18, “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” Why did he say, “Pray for us?” As you study more of the Scriptures, you’ll find there were 2 reasons.
The first reason was so that utterance would be given unto him to boldly make known the mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19). The second reason was because the Church needed him. In praying and interceding for him, he would be retained for their benefit because he said, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24).
Imagine if Paul had passed on earlier than he did, with all the wonderful revelations God gave him. The world and the Church would have lost so much. They however prayed, and Paul gloriously finished his course.
That’s why he could say in Acts 20:26-27, “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Glory to God! Pray for your pastors and leaders; it’s very important, because they’re gifts of God to you.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I pray for pastors and ministers of the Gospel all around the world today, that their strength fail not. I declare that through them, the Gospel is spreading rapidly around the world with the speed of the Spirit. I pray that you grant them utterance and opportunities to impact many more souls as they preach the Gospel with miracles, signs and wonders, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians6:19-20
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:25-59 & 1 Kings 10-11
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 & Proverbs 9