PRAY FOR OUR PASTORS

It would seem that throughout this great world there has appeared an attitude or an impression that all the heavy lifting in a congregation rightfully rests squarely on the shoulders of the pastor. Some might title this error in thinking the "THAT AIN'T MY JOB" attitude.

This position is much more prevalent than you might think. Sometimes it creeps in quietly, not making a sound, barely noticed by the congregation. Then the church puts out a call for help in support ministries, the

"THAT AIN'T MY JOB" folks scatter like a bunch of roaches when the kitchen light is switched on. Pastors contend with this issue daily. Solutions are few and pastors frequently become over burdened trying to carry the additional load.

I overheard a fellow a few years back comment on how easy the pastor's job was by his reckoning; "Sunday he comes in, talks and reads from the pulpit for what seems like forever, talks again Sunday night and except for Wednesday nights, we don't see him. I'd like a job like that!".

Perhaps that fellow would change his tune if he could be a mouse in the corner and be witness to the pastor's hospital and home illness prayer vigils. Or, the several funerals he conducts that includes helping the widow or widower and family come to grips with the pain of death and grief, all while tenderly helping to make the arrangements. How about those counseling sessions that seem to come from every direction; divorce, marriage, out of control sin, gossip, pew romances, oh my, the list could go on and on.

When you see the load that the pastor manages, you will see clearly how some burn out early, or fall into poor decisions that commonly overtake even the strongest humans. Satan rolls out the big guns on these humble servants.

Your pastor needs your support. Your church needs your support. Your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ need your support. Its not just a nice thing to do, my friend. It is your Biblical Obligation. Here is a place to start:

Make this Psalm a part of your weekly commitment. Read it. Share it. Pray with it for the sake and benefit of your pastor. Look at the wisdom that God imparted to King David in the aftermath of the King's very poor decision: PRAY FOR YOUR PASTOR

Psa 51:1-13 A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him,after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?