“Brethren, pray for us.” I Thessalonians 5:25 NKJV.
It is quite typical to perceive spiritual leaders as people who have everything figured out. Because you see them show up consistently and how God uses them mightily, you may subconsciously view them as superhumans. It may seem so but this is not the reality, they are just as human as we are.
Spiritual leaders go through different stages of life just like the average person and they have needs and concerns, just as anyone does. They also need empathy, support, and most importantly prayers from the body of Christ, you included. One of the best ways you can support your ministry gifts is to pray for them.
In the epistles, we see Apostle Paul imploring the church to pray for him and his partners in ministry at several intervals (Ephesians 6:19, I Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:2). You should cultivate the habit of praying regularly for your spiritual leaders. It should not be limited to only when it is raised as a special prayer point in church.
Let us examine some reasons why you ought to pray for your spiritual leaders, and how you can pray for them as the Bible teaches.
The work of a spiritual leader is dynamic and often requires boldness to stand with the truth of Scripture against popular opinion. This should spur you to pray that they have the boldness to proclaim the message they have been called to preach and teach (Ephesians 6:19). Without having the boldness, the Gospel message cannot effectively be proclaimed to the world.
You can also pray for doors of opportunities to be open to them to spread the Gospel’s message around the world (Colossians 4:3). God wants all men saved, not just one part of the world so pray that they are able to reach more souls for the kingdom all over the world.
Spiritual leaders often face persecution in different forms, whether online or in-person. In view of this, you can pray that they are delivered and protected from persecutors and that their lives are preserved (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
Likewise, pray that they stand firm in the whole armour of God, and are guarded against spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:12-13). Ensure to pray regularly that they are strengthened and in good health to carry out God’s assignment (Ephesians 3:16, 3 John 1:2).
Also, every leader needs a wise and trustworthy support system. Hence, pray that they are surrounded by good counsel to make wise decisions concerning the Church (Proverbs 11:14). Don’t forget to give thanks to God for them as Apostle Paul admonishes in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
The importance of praying for your spiritual leaders cannot be overemphasised. They bear a heavy responsibility to lead you and many others. The work of ministry can be demanding and you should see it as your duty to hold them up in prayers.
PRAYER: Father, we pray for strength for all our Christian leaders around the world. Protect and preserve them and their families. Strengthen them with boldness against the lies of the enemy. Help them to walk in wisdom and understanding. Grant them utterance that they may teach the gospel with accuracy. Thank you, Lord, for your grace in their lives in Jesus’ name, amen.
Bible Reading Plan: Ezekiel 5-8