Day 1: Prayer Focus: Your Pastors | Hebrews 13:7

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)

Pastors and spiritual leaders are special people who jump into the battle with us. They champion our growth in Jesus, spiritual understanding, and maturity in Christ. They teach us, lead us, help us, and encourage us in our walk with God. Jesus ministers through them to provide godly and spiritual counsel.

Your spiritual leaders work hard behind the scenes. Most of us have no idea what they deal with every day. When I was pastoring my first church, every time Halloween came around, I felt the darkness and heaviness in the area. I had terrible nightmares. I am thankful Jesus is faithful and that the darkness and evil of this world have no hold on us.

We don’t know the physical and spiritual battles are pastors face. They rarely tell us about them. Pastors and their families have a lot on their plate. They gladly take on these responsibilities, and we don’t always realize the stress and trials they face because they are in leadership. The writer of Hebrews reminds us they speak God’s Word to us at the perfect time. But he is not finished talking about how we can honor our leaders.

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

I joked with my congregation that I have a large task list, and I never want to see their names on it. But in all seriousness, Scripture calls us to obey them. Beyond their duties as pastors and to their families, they must give an account before God of how they lead the church. James says that not many people should want to be teachers because of God’s judgment for how they teach God’s Word (James 3:2).

When I look at the state of our country, I know we need godly and faithful shepherds more and more. We need men and women who will stand for godly principles and not bend under the weight of our worldly culture’s criticism and condemnation. They need our prayer and support more than ever.

Pastors and Bible teachers are on the front lines. They are open to attack from the world and the enemy. They need us to come alongside them. As we receive ministry from them, we can minister to them through prayer and willingness to serve. How can you serve your pastors today?

Prayer Points

• God’s wisdom and Spirit-Led leadership
• God’s provision and blessing for the pastors and their families
• Courage and strength to deal in a godly way with this ungodly culture
• Intercede for them in spiritual warfare, taking them before Jesus and laying them at His feet