Prayer for Our Pastors

Paul deeply loved and cared for the people of Ephesus. He had invested in their lives so much, that he had to avoid sailing through their city. This was because in going there, they would be so overjoyed to see him that they would never let him get away in time to celebrate the Pentecost at Jerusalem! So, instead of visiting them personally, he invited the elders of Ephesus to meet him at Miletus where he gave a charge to them in how to care for the people whom Jesus had bought with His very own blood.

Paul encouraged his elders to serve with humility; to preach boldly, and not shrink from truth that is difficult; to be willing to experience hardship; to watch out for wolves who could harm Jesus’ flock; to keep oneself from covetousness; and to care for the people of God.

The Church matters to God. It was purchased at a very high price. Because of this, God ensured that His people have someone to care and watch out for them.

As I read this charge, I am struck by the weight and responsibility of being called to the role of elder or overseer. Such a task can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit.

For those of us who call The Bridge our home, we have been given an incredible gift. God has given us godly men to serve as our elders and shepherd our souls. It is evident that they love God, His Word, and His people. I can personally attest that our family has been blessed by their care, and I’m sure that you all could say the same.

These men whom God has given us as pastors have the same responsibility as Paul and the Ephesian elders. Their job is a serious one that must not be taken lightly and has eternal ramifications. They serve us with tears, carry the weight of preaching the whole counsel of God, watch out for spiritual dangers, and willingly put themselves through hardship for our good. With such an important task ahead of them, they need to rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit and trust that he will equip them for the good works that He has prepared for them.

This month at The Bridge, we have set aside 21 Days of Prayer. I propose that we each take one of those days to pray fervently for our pastors. Will you pray that God will help them to continue to serve with humility, love, and joy? That God will give them strength, wisdom, boldness, and that they will not grow weary in doing good?

Let’s enter the throne room of grace together with thanksgiving to God for giving us the gift of our pastors.

-Becky Groppel