Often we place unrealistic expectations on those in positions of church leadership. Whether that is the Sunday school teacher, worship leader, pastor or any other positions within the local church. We believe that because they hold a certain higher role they must be better people of faith then the person on the pew. We fall into the trap of believing that church leaders can’t have the same problems we do. That they don’t need our prayers. I mean they are probably way closer to God then we are anyway. But none of that is true. The leaders in your church are just as human as you are. Yes, they may do more in service to the Lord. But they still have needs and problems like everyone else. They need your prayers just as much if not more than others because of their role within the church.
It is good that we are often so quick to pray for new members in the church. As well as for our unchurched friends and family. But when we begin to bring the names of those in our life before the Lord we need to be sure we don’t neglect our church leaders. They need our prayers just as much as anyone else does because their position does not remove them from the difficulty of life. They still have needs, struggles, and problems that only God can solve. The early church was quick when it came to praying for its leaders. Take when Peter was arrested and the church continued to pray for him daily. Ultimately playing a role in his release.
Acts 12:5–8 (ESV)
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
Peter was a man close to the Lord and the church knew that. They could have believed he didn’t need their prayers because God was always quick to listen to him. But still they prayed because they knew that their prayers had just as much of an impact as his. The Bible makes it clear that God has no favorites. No matter the position or title we hold in the eyes of God we are equal and our prayers carry the same power when prayed in Jesus name. Scripture doesn’t only call elders and leaders to pray for others but all believers. No matter who you are you can offer up a prayer to God that has a tangible impact on your church leadership.
Romans 2:11 (ESV)
11 For God shows no partiality.
Galatians 2:6 (ESV)
6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.
James 5:16 (ESV)
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
1 Timothy 2:1 (ESV)
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
Even the greatest and strongest leaders within the church are in need of your prayers. No matter what they have done in the past or have been able to overcome they still need your prayers. Being a church leader is not an easy job and it doesn’t end when service ends. It follows them in their daily life. It can honestly be draining when coupled with everything else our society requires. Not to mention the feelings that can be felt by those of leadership that often are not seen by those they are leading. Just because you may not be able to see all they do or all they are going through doesn’t make the issues they face any less real.
Church leaders are not weak or bad leaders for being in need of prayer. The greatest examples of Christian leadership we have are in the Bible. All of which still needed the prayers of those they led. The Apostle Paul often asked members of the early church to pray for him. Asking that they pray for his deliverance and some time without persecution. As well as simply seeking prayers that would help him keep doing what he was already doing in proclaiming the Gospel. Our church leaders share these same needs today. They need deliverance from certain situations and for God to help them to keep moving forward in their ministries.
Romans 15:30–32 (ESV)
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
Colossians 4:3–4 (ESV)
3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
2 Thessalonians 3:1–2 (ESV)
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.
Ephesians 6:19–20 (ESV)
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
If the Apostle Paul who was able to trust God through all the trouble he faced. Who was used to take the Gospel farther than it had ever gone before in both spoken and written word. Still needed others to pray for him, you can believe your church leaders today still need your prayers too. So take time and pray for those who are responsible for your spiritual well being. As well as the spiritual well being of your family and even city. Bring their name before God daily and ask God to help them even when it seems as though their life is perfect.
Scripture teaches that temptation never goes away but remains constant in the life of every believer. We even read that Jesus did not overcome the temptation of the devil once and for all in His life. Instead we read that the devil only left Him for a season. Until another opportunity to tempt arose. The same is true for our church leaders. What we often fail to see is that our church leaders battle the enemy more than anyone else in the church. Because the enemy knows if he can get them he can get more with them. So he tries and tries to cause them to fall. Which is one of the major reasons we should always be praying for our leaders.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Matthew 26:41 (ESV)
41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
James 1:13 (ESV)
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Luke 4:13 (ESV)
13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
What you pray for your leaders doesn’t have to be complex or longed winded either. All that matters is that you take the time to bring their name before the Lord often. Asking God to give them strength and broaden their ministry. Giving them every gift they need to accomplish the work he has given them. While remembering to pray for their unspoken needs.
Often it’s hard to know what to give the church leaders you are so appreciative for. What do you give the person responsible for leading you closer to God? Truly the best thing you can give them is your prayers. You may not believe they need it but I assure you they do. I guarantee it would brighten their day to know their church family is taking the time to call their name out before God. So take the time daily to bring the names of your church leaders before the Lord.
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