“Brethren, pray for us” – 1 Thessalonians 5:25 (NKJV)
Just like any device powered by a non-rechargeable battery stops working once the battery is exhausted, a believer without prayer is like a device without power. However, with the invention of rechargeable batteries, devices can keep running indefinitely as long as they are recharged.
Prayer is to a believer what a charger is to a battery. One way to show love to our spiritual leaders is to constantly pray for them. They are human and subject to the same temptations, cares, and burdens of the world. See your prayers as a way to keep them charged. Just as a rechargeable battery ensures that a device never goes out, your prayers ensure that your leaders stay strong and never tire.
It is crucial to keep them in our prayers because they labour over us. They have been anointed to equip us with the word of God (Ephesians 4:11-13). This equipping often involves sleepless nights of study and prayer, consistent fasting, and many personal sacrifices. Without the influence of prayers, they can become overwhelmed and lose inspiration. It is thus with great love and in our best interest to continually pray and support them.
Our anchor scripture is a passionate appeal from Apostle Paul requesting prayers. This great apostle, despite his powerful ministry, constantly asked for prayers in his epistles to different churches (Romans 15:30-33; 2 Corinthians 1:10-11; Ephesians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:19-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Philemon 22). This shows that even leaders who intercede for their members desire and need intercession extended to them.
What should you pray for? Pray for their strength and excellent health. Pray for wisdom as they navigate leadership. Pray for their families, that they are kept and shielded. Pray that they are brave enough to speak the truth boldly. Pray for their ability to resist temptations and continue to stand strong.
When it comes to our spiritual leaders, do not leave anything to chance. Our prayers are powerful and produce effective results (James 5:16). Be encouraged by this fact.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 instructs us to honour those who labour over us and to place them in high esteem. A great way to honour them is by praying for them. Our prayers show that we value their leadership and care about their well-being.
Beloved, be proactive and intentional about the overall welfare of your spiritual leaders. As you desire spiritual growth, you also desire that the vessel through which the growth comes is in the best of shape. Do this by praying earnestly for your spiritual leaders.
Bible Reading Plan: Acts 7