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Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Authority in the Church and Ministries, looks at how prayer for church and ministry leaders is for the good of the body of Christ.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: Authority in the Church and Ministries.
“Power Through Prayer” by E.M. Bounds is the book I studied for this podcast. It’s a classic and I’d highly recommend it, especially if you’re a pastor or ministry leader. In Chapter 12 titled What God Would Have, Bounds quotes Jonathan Edwards, a respected theologian, and philosopher in the 1700s. Edwards said: “If some Christians that have been complaining of their ministers had said and acted less before men and had applied themselves with all their might to cry to God for their ministers—had as it were, risen and stormed heaven with their humble, fervent, and incessant prayer for them—they would have been much more in the way of success.”
The more I study prayer, the more I realize its importance in seeing the will of God enacted on earth. And we’ve been given the privilege to pray for men and women of God, who lead churches and ministries and are responsible, to some extent, for the condition of the Church.
What is the job of these leaders?
- To pray.
- To preach the Word.
- To steward God’s resources.
- To reprove, rebuke, and exhort.
- To love.
We emulate Jesus, the head of the Church. He prayed, preached the Word, stewarded what God gave him, rebuked and encouraged people, and loved all.
Ephesians 4: 11-12 says “And He Himself (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” NKJV
Jesus placed people as leaders to equip us to carry out the work of ministry and edify the Church. What a responsibility our leaders have. But what about the leaders who abuse people, steal money, or corrupt the work of the Lord? We’ve all heard or know of people who’ve dishonored the Church through word or deed. God is the ultimate judge and I believe in the law of sowing and reaping.
But the subject of today’s podcast is prayer. E. M. Bounds says “It is absolutely necessary for the preacher to pray. It is an absolute necessity that the preacher be prayed for…Gifts, talents, education, eloquence, God’s call, cannot abate the demand of prayer, but only intensify the necessity for the preacher to pray and to be prayed for.”
Since Jesus Himself placed people to equip and edify the Church, the need to lift these men and women to God in prayer is great and for the good of the Church. What can we pray for our church and ministry leaders?
- Steadfastness-they won’t be discouraged by the battle.
- Perseverance-they can draw strength from God.
- Confidence-their trust is to be in Christ.
- Encouragement-people will speak life to them.
- Wisdom-they’ll look to God for understanding.
- To stay the course of Scripture-they’ll read and meditate on God’s Word.
- To be equipped-they’ll be endowed with what they need.
- Protection-God will watch over them and their family.
Leaders of the body of Christ need grace, love, mercy, joy, and peace. They need to abound in the fruit of the Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:12 says “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” NKJV
We can recognize them for all they do and respect them in love. I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give any church leader is to all get along. To be at peace with others in the Body. To love each other in spite of our differences and opinions.
We’re back to what Jonathan Edwards said: We need to complain less about our leaders and churches and ministries and pray more. Humbly, fervently, continually. Jesus intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. It’s time to intercede for our leaders and make a difference in the Church.
Prayer is a part of being on the dance floor of God. Many years ago, a teacher at my church spoke poorly of me to many people because I backed the pastor and he didn’t. It hurt horribly and I went to God to complain and whine. God spoke to my heart and told me not to answer back in any way but to pray for the church and pastor. I did and within weeks, that teacher left the church. I pray that this person was able to reconcile with God. My only job was to pray. Not to defend or criticize.
Not every incident will be settled quickly and without chaos but God remains with us no matter what. He gently leads us along, the greatest dance partner we could ever ask for.
Let’s pray: Father God, we pray for our leaders in the church and ministries. Protect them and their families from harm. Give them what they need to minister for You. Help them to realize the importance of prayer. Encourage each man and woman who steps out to serve you and give them joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Praying for our leaders builds up the Church. Take time today to encourage someone you know who leads. Call, text, or send a card. They’ll be glad you did.
Today’s featured product is Don’t Miss the Bus, a family-friendly, educational board game, designed for ages 7 and up. The bus leaves in 45 minutes. You must reach the bus stop in time before the bus leaves. Can you avoid the time-distracting obstacles and make it to the bus stop on time? The object is not to reach the bus stop first, but to make it on time. Learn more at www.southgamez.com. (Facebook) That’s southgamez.
Next week, we’ll talk about praying for the local body of believers. Until then, stay determined to dance.
Links
10 Powerful Prayers for Pastors and Leaders
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Remember: Daily Prayer
Video of the week:
I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.
