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?
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