Pray for us...

In his book, "The Prayer Shield", C. Peter Wagner states that, "The most underutilized source of spiritual power in our churches today is the intercession for Christian leaders." He further states, "No question exists in the minds of those who have experienced it; committed, faithful intercession brings increased spiritual power to Christian ministries."

Do you think that is true? Is he correct? Does it matter? Whether or not you are actually praying demonstrates what you truly believe about praying for leaders! It is my prayer for New Work Fellowship, that prayer is not the "underutilized" resource.

Pray for your church. Pray for your pastors. Pray for your elders. Pray for me.

How do you pray for your Church Leaders?

 

1. Remember the ministry is a partnership. Remember all those verses we looked at yesterday in which Paul appealed to the church to lift him and his up in prayer? You share a part in all that happens as you support your church and the leaders/pastors in prayer. Before you pray, remember first your duty to pray supportively for their place in God's sovereign will being accomplished.
    
2. Pray for the leaders of your church by name and office. Yesterday you were sent a list of names to pray for. But don't stop there. Pray for the small group leaders. Pray for the servants of the church who work and serve in a variety of capacities. Pray through all the people you see as you come through the doors at New Work Fellowship. The next time you are church, take time to make a mental note, or a physical note of the names you need to lift up in prayer. God will show you "whom" to pray for, if you make yourself available.
    
3. Pray for the vision and values of your church to be accomplished through effective leadership. Pray that we would embody what Christ himself would long for in our lives, both individually and collectively.
    
4. Pray for things like these: Deep roots in Christ through personal quiet times and supportive small groups, protection against burnout, harmonious efforts and communication skills, new leaders to be developed, increased favor with God and people inside and outside the church, purity and power in the Spirit, physical health and vitality, protection from sin, pray against selfishness and Satan through schemes of intimidation, deception, temptation and oppression, pursuing prosperous priorities, emotional needs, building the strong bonds of family dynamics.

These are just a few things you can pray as you pray for your church, the leaders and pastors.