How to Pray for Leaders

Daily Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3

Scripture Focus: Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. (2 Thessalonians 3.1-2)

Devotional Thought: Sometimes, I forget to ask for help. Paul didn't forget to ask for help. And he asked not only God, but also asked others. He asked churches to help him complete his mission. He asked the Corinthians to help him through their prayers. That's what he asked the Thessalonians, too: "Pray for us!"

We, too, can help our pastor and leaders by praying that...

• the word of the Lord may hasten. Paul realized he was operating within a limited time. He anticipated the soon-coming return of the Lord. Even if Christ delayed his coming, Paul knew that his personal time to work was limited. He wanted to get the word out to as many as possible as quickly as possible.

• the word of the Lord may be honored. It's one thing to get the word out. It's something else for it to accomplish its purpose. For that to happen, individuals must hear it and respond to it. It will not be heard if it is held in disrepute. We should live our lives to bring honor to the Word of God!

• the word of the Lord may be heeded. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they heeded the word of God and he encouraged them to pray that others would too.

• the people of the Lord may be helped. Paul was acquainted with persecution, imprisonment, and other drastic measures intended to silence him. Paul wanted to have freedom to proclaim the gospel. He needed to be delivered from wicked and evil people.

Pray for your pastor and spiritual leaders!

Prayer: Lord, I pray for my pastor and other preachers and teachers of the gospel. May your Word get out quickly, be accepted mentally, and be obeyed faithfully. May you keep these messengers safe and free to proclaim your Word. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 29.1-6

1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.