we see the Apostle Paul constantly beseeching his fellow brethren to pray for him over and over again. This is the Apostle Paul who met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus; he is the man who went to the third heaven, the eminent preacher who had many successful missionary journeys, the Gospel herald who preached and taught the Word of God to the Gentiles; and wrote numerous letters to the local church under the inspiration of the spirit, requesting the saints for their prayers.
Consider the following passages:
Romans 15:30-33- Now I beseech you, brethren, for thee Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem maybe accepted of the saints; that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
1 Corinthians 1:10-11- Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that their be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by the which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
Ephesians6:19-20- And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Philippians 1:19-20- For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Colossians 2:2-4- That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
1 Thessalonians 5:25- Brethren, pray for us
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2- Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith
Philemon 1:22- But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you
The work of a pastor is a daunting task. It is so demanding mentally, spiritually and socially. The challenges of the pastoral ministry are huge and pastors therefore need prayers from the saints all the time.
The saints need to remember their pastors in prayers in respect to their sermons' preparation and delivery, trials leadership, their families and even those who are saved or not saved from the preaching etc.
Dear pastors, do not shy away from asking your church members to pray for you. None of us is too strong to suceed in this ministry without the prayers of the saints.
True Pastor. Every saint should be willing to pray not only for the church matters but also for the leaders including Bishops, Pastors, and deacons.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is our mandate. May we be found to be faithful and consistent.
ReplyDeleteAll prayer and intercession of a faithful saint matters to God. Do not consider yours irrelevant.
ReplyDelete