“You must also help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV
This past September, our church was blessed with a visit from Chris Sonksen. He founded Church Boom, an organization aimed at ‘supporting pastors to ensure that every community has a thriving church.’ They are dedicated to ‘improving church growth and leadership health’ (to learn more, go to https://www.churchboom.org/)
Chris Sonksen revealed some staggering statistics: between 75 and 150 churches are closing weekly, and an average of 1,500 pastors quit every month! This is why it is so important to pray for our pastors and other church leaders.
A couple of weeks ago, I felt the Spirit of God pressing me to send a word of encouragement to our pastor. I heeded the Spirit’s voice and sent our pastor a simple “Thank you for everything you do for us. We dearly love and appreciate you and your wife.” His response was heartfelt thank you. That next Sunday he told me how much he’d needed that word of appreciation right at that moment.
Our pastors are fueled by our prayers, our support, and our words of encouragement. As a pastor’s daughter, I can confirm that the pastorate can be very discouraging. And that’s precisely what the enemy wants. Because our pastors and spiritual leaders are on the front lines – every single day.
Now, more than ever, our pastors need us to lift them before the throne of God. Their ministry – and your church – depends on it!
Here are a few blogs I found extremely helpful in regard to Scriptures to pray over our spiritual leaders:
- https://fromthestudy.com/2018/05/15/why-should-you-pray-for-your-pastor/
- https://soveryblessed.com/scriptures-for-prayer-for-pastors/
- https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/blog/7-verses-and-7-prayers-for-your-pastor/
Prayer: Lord, please encourage my pastor today. Deliver him from any evil attacks brought against him and grant him victory. Protect his mind from discouragement and the lies of the enemy, watch over his body and grant him health and strength, fill him with your power and your Spirit. Pour out your wisdom and discernment as he studies, preaches, teaches, and counsels. Remind him that you have called him to this important and crucial task and you will equip him accordingly. And at the end of the day, grant him a good night’s rest. In your name we pray, Amen.