Praying For Pastors And Church Leadership
Day 8 - October 4, 2024
Ed Litton Pastor and Former President of the Southern Baptist Convention View Website
Devotion For Day 8
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith
There is a well-known story about Charles Spurgeon, an English preacher in the 19th century known as the “Prince of Preachers.” One day, a group of young ministers came to visit his church as thousands of people were coming to Christ through his preaching.
The young men asked Spurgeon about the effectiveness of his powerful preaching and the “secret” of the success of his ministry. Before answering, he ushered them down to the “boiler room” in the basement of the church. There were about 100 people earnestly praying under the area where his pulpit was located on the floor above. He said to the young men, “Now you know the ‘secret’ of my ministry. My people pray for me.”
The ministry of your church’s leadership will only be as effective as the prayer that fuels it. If you want joyful, Spirit-filled shepherds, who confidently lead their congregations into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, then you must pray for them – and for their families!
Father, pour out an urgency to pray over my pastors and church leadership daily! They sit on the front lines of battle and the enemy wants to do damage to them and ultimately the body of Christ! Help me to intercede for these leaders and their families so that You will continually guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus! Keep them strong and protect them from temptation! Give them all the tools they need to lead, disciple, encourage, and train our church to be all You are calling us to be!
Prayer Topics
- Ask God to prompt you to intercede daily on behalf of your church leaders.
- Pray that your pastors and leaders will deepen their passion to know Christ more intimately.
- Pray that your pastors and leaders will minister from the Spirit’s power, being persons of prayer and doers of the Word (Acts 6:4).
- Pray for the marriages and families of your pastors and leaders to be strong and fulfilling.
- Pray for deep friendships and wise counsel for your church leaders, as well as protection against the temptations and schemes of the Devil.
