Father God,
Thank You that You are our pastor's Father. Thank You that You love him far more than we do and even more than his own earthly father ever has. Thank You that You are powerful enough to give him everything that He needs. Thank You that You created him and know exactly what he needs.
We know he has many needs. Some of His needs that we ask You to meet are:
Don't let the demands of the ministry overcome his joy. Let his joy radiate to unbelievers and to believers alike. Let the people in his church want the joy that he has. Let his enjoyment of You and Your truth permeate his preaching. Let him get to know You in such a way that it's obvious that his eternal life with You has already begun. (John 17:3)
Being a pastor is hard work. He needs Your joy to fuel his passion, to lift him when he is discouraged, and to keep him steady in the storms of life. Overwhelm him with Your joy, Lord, so that he can enjoy the life and ministry You have given him. Make him more like Jesus who endured the cross, the most awful thing anyone ever endured, because He looked forward to the joy it would bring. (Hebrews 12:2) Give him a testimony of joy wherever he goes.
In the Name of the One who infuses us with His joy,
Amen.
Thank You that You are our pastor's Father. Thank You that You love him far more than we do and even more than his own earthly father ever has. Thank You that You are powerful enough to give him everything that He needs. Thank You that You created him and know exactly what he needs.
We know he has many needs. Some of His needs that we ask You to meet are:
- Wisdom for the many decisions he has to make.
- Your Spirit's guidance when he offers counsel to people.
- Love and compassion for the flock You have given him to shepherd so that he can lead them wisely and well.
- A passion for lost souls.
- A solid marriage with his dear wife.
- Quality time with his family.
- Insight into Your Word, both for his own spiritual growth and to find the spiritual food he needs to feed his flock.
- Boldness to speak Your truth when that is needed, gentleness when that is needed, and guidance from You to know when to speak and when to keep quiet.
- Protection from Satan and strength to resist when Satan comes calling.
- A day of rest each week when he can turn his back on his work and focus on You.
- Significant time in Your presence when he can soak up the truth of Your Word and pour out his heart to You in prayer.
- People in his life that he can trust, people he can turn to when he needs help in his own life and people who will lovingly warn him if he starts to stray from the truth or rely on his own abilities.
- Encouragers who will come alongside him when he is discouraged.
- A healthy body so that he can continue to expend his energy in ministry.
Don't let the demands of the ministry overcome his joy. Let his joy radiate to unbelievers and to believers alike. Let the people in his church want the joy that he has. Let his enjoyment of You and Your truth permeate his preaching. Let him get to know You in such a way that it's obvious that his eternal life with You has already begun. (John 17:3)
Being a pastor is hard work. He needs Your joy to fuel his passion, to lift him when he is discouraged, and to keep him steady in the storms of life. Overwhelm him with Your joy, Lord, so that he can enjoy the life and ministry You have given him. Make him more like Jesus who endured the cross, the most awful thing anyone ever endured, because He looked forward to the joy it would bring. (Hebrews 12:2) Give him a testimony of joy wherever he goes.
In the Name of the One who infuses us with His joy,
Amen.
Photo: Charlie and Pastor Giovanni Avendaño in Guatemala.
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