Join Jesus-followers who believe God for a Christ-Awakening. Pray specifically for the improved health among ministers as evidenced by their joy; decreased resignations; healthy, loving relationships; and an increased response among young people who are called to the ministry.
The job of a pastor is tough. In fact, the job of a pastor is consistently identified as one of the most difficult occupations in America; right up there with the President of the United States of America.
Consider the Apostle Paul’s words of transparency in 2 Corinthians 7:5-7. Listen as a pastor tells of his need for comfort and encouragement: “…our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” Now consider this question—How did God comfort this downcast minister?
The God of the universe, full of power and strength, chose to involve Titus to extend His comfort to a weary, spiritual leader named, Paul!
May God cause more available people like Titus to rise up in our churches in order to encourage our pastors in their eternal work of serving the local church! May we encourage our pastors and pass along this Titus touch. Take time to express:
Prayers of Thanksgiving
Thank You, Lord, that our pastors can experience health and love, for You have rescued us from “this body of death” (Rom. 7:24). We are grateful that our pastors can have joy, for “weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).
Prayers of Confession:
Forgive us for not making a priority of Ephesians 4:29, “letting everything we say be good and helpful, so that our words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Prayers of Petition:
May our pastors remember that the preaching of the Word matters! “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
Promises to Claim:
Lord, remind us to encourage our pastors with this promise: “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5: 2-4).
