A Great Need!
1 Thessalonians 5
KJV
25+ Brethren, pray for us.
What you’ve read is the shortest sentence ever written by Paul and it highlights his greatest need! Everyone has a need, and to Paul, this is his
Indeed, these four words encapsulate our greatest need as leaders, if we are to succeed in fulfilling our assigned duties. Such was the need that Paul repeated this request again and again ;
2 Thessalonians 3
KJV
1+ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
Contrary to what members think, leadership is a risky venture it can spell one's spiritual doom or bring one glory. A member’s chances of entering Heaven are higher than those of a leader in the church!
Leadership perils are often downplayed by members hence they hardly pray for them. Throughout my ministry, only a few times have I heard a congregational prayer offered for me! Even in this case it was just in passing. A mere mention.
But why would Paul request that prayers be made for him? There are many reasons but he summed them up in these words
2 Thessalonians 3
KJV
1+ ——-, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, Etc !
Here the expression “ word of the Lord may have free course ” is a summary of all that goes into its proclamation –, every activity, process, program and of course the persons involved.
That these are targets of the devil is shown on the pages of scriptures, Paul listed many in his letter to the brethren at Corinth, which time and space would not allow to be reproduced here.
The fact is we need prayers from church members daily to enable us to overcome the fiery darts of the devil. There are overt and covert ( internal and external ) strategies by which Satan tries to derail both the vision and mission of many a leader.
The trials and temptations both physical and spiritual that leaders face are largely unknown to members. To overcome them, the church must pray.
Congregational leadership is a heavy spiritual burden not meant for spiritual novices It is not about material superintendence of the assembly, but the spiritual.
Congregational prayers for a leader serve as a spiritual cover and protection, the more it is offered the stronger the leader is and performs his assignments to the glory of God and His church.
Brethren, every leader is vulnerable and therefore needs prayers hence Paul’s request for the church to pray for him and the team he works with.
A spiritually healthy church prays for its leadership; this must be seen and practised as a duty and not an option. Spiritually weak leadership leads to spiritually weak churches!
Brethren, we need your prayers, cover and protect us with prayers daily!
Maranatha