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Let’s Pray for Pastors, Church Planters, and Missionaries

     We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. 2 Cor. 1:8-11 (NLT)

Dear heavenly Father, these words from the Apostle Paul remind us of the importance of praying for our friends in vocational ministry. Stories of being “crushed and overwhelmed” aren’t the private domain of church planters, pastors, and missionaries, but their stresses are great, regular, and often involve intense spiritual warfare.

Father, first and foremost, we pray that your servants will be kept fresh and renewed in the riches of your grace. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray the gospel will be powerfully at work in their hearts: Witnessing to their sonship; granting them an unprecedented awareness of your presence and kindness; revealing the beauty and love of Jesus; granting them joy, wisdom and freedom in the midst of multiple challenges and spiritual assaults.

Father, grant them thick skin and big hearts: Thick Skin to protect them from a barrage of criticism and unrequested suggestions; and to buffer them in the emotional roller coaster of the highs and lows in ministry; and Big Hearts to enjoy festive moments, good gifts and special friends.

Lastly, Father, grant them enough fruit to keep them encouraged and enough laughter to keep them soft; enough refreshment to keep them sane and enough grace to keep them free; enough money to keep them from stressing and more than enough hope to keep them convinced their labors in the Lord will never be in vain. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and tender name.

 

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