August 2010: Prayer for Ministers and Ministries

By: Tamara Campbell

“Brethren, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). Can you sense the urgent plea in these words from the man who was hard-pressed on every side? Penned by the Apostle Paul, he did not hesitate to ask for prayer or speak of his own prayer life to encourage others. Paul prayed for the saints under his charge. He prayed earnestly, always, without ceasing, fervently, night and day, however he also exhorted them to constant and passionate prayer.

No one understood the power of prayer more than Paul. He was a man well acquainted with the weakness of his own flesh. An early persecutor of the church, who saw the blood-soaked clothes of the martyr Stephen dropped at his feet, Paul understood that apart from the gracious work of the Holy Spirit all his efforts would be in vain. His deepest desire was that Jesus would be glorified through him. Paul knew that prayer was the key that would unlock powerful and effective ministry for the gospel. He asked for prayer to preach boldly, for protection and for the fullness of God’s blessing. Kingdom ministry would be advanced through him because of the prayers of the saints.

Likewise, today we have a sacred charge to imitate Paul (1 Corinthians 4:16) and fervently pray for ministers, missionaries, pastors, and all those in spiritual leadership. They are ambassadors for Christ on the front lines of kingdom service. As representatives of God they carry great responsibility and will be held to a higher level of accountability (James 3:1). Satan knows if he can strike the shepherd, he will impact many more lives than just the one. Therefore, spiritual leaders and their families are often targeted. Our prayers remove obstacles and thwart the plans of the enemy instead releasing the full plan and kingdom purposes of God.

There are more prayers of the Apostle Paul recorded in the pages of the New Testament than any other person. These are potent prayers. As we pray God’s Word, we know we are praying God’s will. Here are some practical suggestions for preparing your heart to pray:

1. Ask the Lord to fill your heart with His compassionate love before praying for your minister.

“Above all have fervent love for one another for love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“…the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit…” Romans 5:5

2. Express gratitude to Jesus for the gift of spiritual shepherds and honor them.

“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:17

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and confess any known sin.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear.” Psalm 66:18
“ … If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9

4. Forgive your minister, pastor or others for hurts inflicted, whether intentional or unintentional, and for not living up to your expectations of what you need them to be. Confess any resentment or a judgmental spirit you may be harboring.

“…put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if   anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Colossians 3:12,13

Prayer Points

1. Pray for your minister that the revelation of Jesus’ love and beauty would cause them to walk securely in their calling and destiny by God’s power. Ephesians 1:17-19

2. Pray for your minister to receive the Spirit’s power that Jesus’ Presence would be manifest in them so that they experience God’s love and are able to share it. Ephesians 3:16-19

3. Pray for God’s love to abound to your minister by the knowledge of God resulting in righteousness in their life. Philippians 1:9-11

4. Pray for your minister to know God’s will, to be fruitful in ministry and strengthened by intimacy with God. Colossians 1:9-11

5. Pray for unity in the church and that your minister would be filled with supernatural joy, peace, and hope. Romans 15:5-6,13

6. Pray that your minister would be enriched by all the gifts of the Spirit including powerful preaching and prophetic revelation. 1 Corinthians 1:5-7

7. Pray for the release of grace to bring your minister and the ministry/church to maturity and especially to abound in love and holiness. 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13

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Tamara Campbell directed the 7Fourteen Prayer Room at Foursquare Connection 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia and has served as associate editor of Spectrum Magazine
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