Prayer for our Churches
by Jan Cox
A prickly subject – pastoral abuse! Too many times have I heard stories of churches being torn apart by exploding and imploding church boards. Everyone is hurt, especially the pastor.
Can we see it coming?
In hindsight yes. Most often not as it happens because it seeps into our congregations bit by bit.
How can we help?
PRAY
Yes, we need to be in constant prayer for our churches, pastors, and leaders. They are the frontline.
They are the ones who will be most in Satan’s sight and line of fire. When a church starts to grow or look outward toward a community. Watch out! Satan will try every means to close doors or add frustrations.
Each one of us has a job to do. And that is to pray. Pray for the member of your team that you don’t agree with. Pray not for them to change but for God to work in both your lives.
Don’t nag and complain about something – pray for God’s wisdom in how to deal with it. And get over yourself. I am the worst offender here. I am learning to watch, look and listen – praying constantly for “the knowledge of His will, through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col 1:9 NIV).
I recently finished reading a book called My Fanatical, Regrettable Tour of Ministry by Ron Mahler. Ron opens our eyes to what can happen when church leaders bicker.
A most eye-opening and interesting read.
PRAY ON!
Prayer:
Father, we know we need to pray for our church leaders. Remind us. Encourage us. Help us to look to You for answers. Jesus – You are the Head of the church. Help us to help our leaders. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
My Gratitude List for this week: Counting up to 1000 – I am at 588.
- A washer and dryer to keep clothes clean
- Yummy leftovers – a quick meal
- Praying for a wonderful friend and her family
- A piano keyboard to relearn how to play
- Toes not as sore as last year in tap dance
- Connections via the Internet
- Prayer – can’t say enough
- Rain in the desert
- Building up muscles in my legs from tap dance
- Hearing from my 90 year old Arizona friend
- Oswald Chambers – God can hear me even when I don’t consciously pray
Jan Cox
Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has written a children’s book in which she is also the watercolour illustrator. She hopes to publish it some day.
