It’s easy to fall into the trap of perceiving our spiritual leaders as infallible, especially when we witness their consistent presence in meetings and the powerful ways in which God works through them, leading us to subconsciously elevate them to superhuman status. However, this perception is far from the truth; they are as human as we are. This reality is why Paul felt compelled to write to the church in Thessalonica, urging them to pray for them as they do the work of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:25

New King James Version

25 Brethren, pray for us

Paul’s epistle to the Ephesian church teaches us that the role of ministry gifts is to equip God’s people for ministry and to build up/strengthen the church, which is the body of Christ. As they fulfil these responsibilities, it’s important to acknowledge that they experience various phases of life, similar to anyone else. They have personal needs and concerns. They too, require understanding and crucially, the support of prayers from the body of Christ, which includes you. Think about it this way, If someone labours over you, they deserve your prayers in return.

Throughout the epistles, Apostle Paul earnestly requests that the churches pray for him and his fellow workers as they preach the gospel. Paul and the apostles were aware of their need of the prayers of the church. And if they recognized this necessity, it’s crucial for us to acknowledge and act upon the need to pray for our spiritual leaders especially the ones in your local church.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:19‬ ‭

New King James Version

19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭

New King James Version

2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

These passages highlight the importance of praying for our ministry gifts. Beyond participating in corporate prayers dedicated to them, take it upon yourself to include them in your personal prayer times. There are significant reasons why we should uphold our spiritual leaders in prayer.

Firstly, the role of a ministry gift demands the boldness to stick with the truth of Scripture and to disciple others according to God’s model. This means we must pray for them to possess the fortitude and boldness to deliver the message of the gospel so that they teach with integrity and without yielding to compromise.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:19‬ ‭

New King James V‬‬ersion

19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Without having the boldness, the Gospel message cannot effectively be proclaimed to the world. You should also pray that more avenues would be open to them to spread the Gospel’s message around the world.

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭

New King James Version

3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,

Secondly, individuals in spiritual leadership often face persecution and attacks, both online and in person, aimed at discouraging or destroying them. Knowing this, you must take up the call to pray for their deliverance and protection from adversaries. Pray that they are their lives are preserved and their ministries are strengthened even in the face of persecution

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭

New King James Version

2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

Thirdly, for them to do the work effectively they must be in good health. We must therefore pray that they would be strong in health and pray for more strength to carry out all that the Lord requires of them! We pray the same for their families as well.

‭‭3 John‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭

New King James Version

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Finally, we pray because we are instructed from scripture to do so! Paul writes to Timothy and says

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1‭-‬2‬ ‭

New King James Version

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

In conclusion, the abundance of evidence and emphasis the Bible places on praying for our spiritual leaders is undeniable. This should override any previous notions or understandings you have about your duty towards them and must compel you to take this responsibility seriously. Given the demanding nature of ministry work, if you genuinely value their efforts and cherish their dedication, make it a point to pray for them always, both privately and publicly.

Prayer Point:

Father, I thank You for the light I have received from Your word. I pray for my Pastor today, that You strengthen Your work in his hands. I pray that You continue to guide him in Your wisdom, I pray that he grows more and more in capacity and boldness as he labours over me. And I pray that You would keep him and his family in all their endeavors.