"I Need Your Prayers!" (1 Timothy 5:17)

“I need your prayers!”

The pastor cried out to his congregation. We all sat in stunned silence as he broke down in tears. Several members stood up and embraced him and the service was halted as the congregation came together to pray for our pastor.

Over the past year, his marriage was under increasing strain as his wife separated from him and took their two children to live with her. This would be one of his last sermons to us. I had known this man for all of my adult life, first as a friend, later as a brother in Christ. For the last few months, he asked me to help with his church music ministry. It was during this time, I witnessed the unique pressures a pastor must face. He is teacher, preacher, counselor, administrator, and manager. Everyone is clamoring for his attention and their needs must be met yesterday. His most important responsibility is to preach the Word. But many of these other activities often supplant his ability to preach. And Satan continually lurks, ready to hinder and discourage the pastor’s work and ministry.

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
1 Timothy 5:17

All pastors need our prayers. They are called by God to be shepherds of the local churches. We, as the Body of Christ, should be doing everything possible to take over routine administrative responsibilities and counseling so that he may focus upon the preparation and teaching of God’s Word.

Our pastors need our prayers.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.