A Prayer Warrior prays for his spiritual authorities

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. ¹⁸ Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:17-18 NIV

Principle: Prayer Warriors are faithful armor bearers for their pastor and spiritual authorities.

For some reason. I began to enjoy Wednesdays.  There seemed to be an extra pep in my step.  I found that my mind was clear and I could hear the Holy Spirit talking with me.  As Pam and I discussed life our conversations would end in hope.  I did not try to analyze what was happening, but I did recognize what appeared to be a change in the atmosphere.  Later, I was talking with a dear friend who I consider to be like a mentor.  He told me that he prayed for Pam and I on a regular basis.  I replied with a little surprise, “really?”  He responded, “Oh yes, my wife and I pray for you and Pam every Wednesday.”  I knew I like that day.

As a pastor, I can tell you how much prayers are appreciated.  It can be one of the loneliest professions because there is so much giving required.  Many people act differently around pastors, so true friendships are hard to navigate.  Many times pastors are put on a pedestal that is unfair and unsustainable.  Choosing to lead a flock of people, makes that person the primary target for the enemy.  If our adversary can cause the leader to stumble, many lives are affected negatively.

Regular prayer for a leader can create a hedge of protection.  When he prospers and follows the leading of the Holy Spirit, everyone benefits.  The writer of Hebrews encourages us to pray for our spiritual leaders.  He ultimately will have to give an account for his stewardship in guiding the flock both wisely and foolishly.  Treat the pastor like you would want to be treated, greeted, cared for, followed, supported, prayed for and loved.  This will return as a blessing to you.

Here are a couple of resources you can use to pray for your pastor

30 Day challenge to pray for your Pastor from Revive our hearts   https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/30-day-praying-for-your-pastor-challenge/

Scripture prayers for pastors    http://www.prayingscriptures.com/pastors.shtml

Saturdays are good days to pray for your Pastor as he is preparing himself to preach on the next day.  As you are praying, listen to God for tangible ways to encourage them.  –      Send a note of encouragement to the pastor and his wife.

-       Share testimonies of applying lessons from the sermons

-       Give gift cards to cafés or restaurants for him and his wife

-       Smile and give a warm greeting when you see them

-       Take him out to lunch, just because…no emergency or need to talk.

-       Give an Amazon gift cards for book purchases

-       Ask God to give you an idea of how to bless…He is fully capable to surprise you.

Father, thank you for the body of Christ.  Thank you that you have given every person a gift to use to serve and build up the other parts of the body.  Thank you for our pastors and leaders who equip us to live fully for Christ.  Help them to be encouraged and full of the joy of the Lord.  Remind me often to pray for them.  Protect them when they sleep, keep them physically healthy, allow their minds to be fully awake, stir up the gifts that you have given them, help them to preach with boldness, may they see the fruit of new followers of Jesus in their ministry, and give them the heart and love of a shepherd like yours.  In Jesus name, Amen