For several weeks, I had picked up a prayer burden to intercede for one of the leading ministers in our dear country. So, as I stepped on the pulpit to preach that morning, the burden came strong again. I had to lead our entire congregation on intense intercession for this man of God and the ministry. I reminded them; “learn to pray for pastors, it is one of the best gifts you can give them.”
Friend, pastors need prayers as much as members need it, and even more. Most times, we assume that pastors are supermen; they are “Men of God.” But we have forgotten that pastors are first “Men” before they are “of God.” The best of man is still man in himself. Rather than only asking your pastor to pray for you, also take it upon yourself to pray for your pastor.
“Brethren, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). Thank God for humble and sincere leaders who would request for prayers, most pastors won’t ask for prayers, particularly in our clime. But whether they ask for it or not, know that they desperately need it. Pastors are first targets of the attacks of the devil (Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 26:31). Pastors are expensive to the economy of heaven.
“…smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered…” (Zechariah 13:7). The enemy does not attack the flock by attacking the flock; he does that by attacking the shepherd. You need to realize that every attack on your pastor is an attack on you in disguise. Praying for your pastor is praying for yourself. When all goes well with your pastor, all would be well with you. Never rejoice at the struggles of your pastor, rather be moved to intercede for him (Philippians 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:8).
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5). Perhaps, we rise to pray too late. There is something about a praying Church that puts the enemy at bay. The enemy only exploits our prayerlessness to wreck havoc. Why would the Church wait until Peter was taken before they started to pray? James had been killed and was gone forever (Acts 12:1-3). A militant Church picks signals of satanic intrusion before it becomes full blown.
Pastors have personal issues they are grappling with, yet they must care for the Church (2 Corinthians 11:28). Their health needs attention. Their family needs help. They are not immune from the economic reality of the country. A lot are going through pressures that may need concerted prayer efforts to deal with (Matthew 26:38). Rather than criticizing or castigating your pastor, rather than always asking him to pray for you or counsel you, pick up a prayer burden for him, his family and his ministry.
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria