PRAYING FOR MINISTERS

PRAYING FOR MINISTERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:19-20

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:19 (KJV)
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.”

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Hebrews 13:17-18; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Acts 12:5-11.

Description: Praying for ministers is the biblical responsibility of believers to intercede for those entrusted with preaching, teaching and leading God's people, asking for divine strength, wisdom, protection, boldness and faithfulness in their ministry assignments.

INTRODUCTION

The ministry of the Gospel is a divine assignment that carries enormous spiritual responsibility. Those who are called to preach, teach, shepherd and lead God's people need more than human ability, academic qualifications or administrative skills. They need divine grace, spiritual strength, wisdom and the constant help of the Holy Spirit. For this reason, ministers must never be left to carry their responsibilities without the prayerful support of the Church.

In Ephesians 6:18, Apostle Paul instructs believers to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching with perseverance and supplication for all saints. Immediately afterwards, in verse 19, he makes a specific request: that prayer should also be made for him, that utterance may be given to him and that he may proclaim the mystery of the Gospel boldly. This is remarkable because Paul was an apostle, a seasoned missionary and a man of extraordinary spiritual experience. Yet he recognised his need for the prayers of other believers.

This passage teaches us that no minister is above the need for prayer. Pastors, evangelists, missionaries, teachers, apostles, prophets and other Christian leaders need spiritual support. They face temptations, pressures, opposition, family responsibilities, emotional burdens and spiritual warfare. Therefore, praying for ministers is not merely an act of courtesy; it is a biblical responsibility and an important way of supporting the work of God's kingdom.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYING FOR MINISTERS

Ministers are servants entrusted with the responsibility of communicating God's Word, shepherding His people and advancing the Gospel. Although their assignments differ, they all need the grace of God to fulfil their responsibilities faithfully.

Praying for ministers means bringing their spiritual lives, families, health, responsibilities, decisions and ministries before God. It means recognising that those who serve others also need spiritual nourishment, encouragement and divine intervention.

a) Ministers Are Divinely Called and Entrusted with Responsibility (Ephesians 4:11-12)

The Bible teaches that Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints and the work of ministry.

Ministry is not merely a profession or an opportunity for personal recognition. It is a divine calling and stewardship. Ministers are entrusted with the responsibility of equipping believers and building up the body of Christ.

Because the assignment is spiritual, it requires spiritual support. The Church must therefore pray for those who carry the responsibility of leading and equipping God's people.

Practical Application: Recognise the spiritual responsibility of ministers and make their welfare and effectiveness regular subjects of prayer.

b) Ministers Carry the Burden of God's People (2 Corinthians 11:28)

Paul spoke about the daily pressure upon him and his concern for all the churches.

Ministry involves more than preaching from the pulpit. Ministers often carry the burdens of struggling families, troubled marriages, sick members, grieving people, new converts and believers facing spiritual battles.

Many of these burdens are carried privately. A minister may encourage others publicly while personally needing encouragement and strength.

Practical Application: Pray for ministers who are carrying heavy responsibilities. Ask God to renew their strength and give them wisdom to care for His people.

c) Ministers Are Targets of Spiritual Opposition (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Peter warns believers to be sober and vigilant because the devil seeks whom he may devour.

Ministers are not exempt from spiritual warfare. They face temptations, discouragement, deception, opposition and attacks against their families and ministries. The enemy may seek to weaken their faith, compromise their character or distract them from their calling.

This is why believers must stand in prayer for those who serve in spiritual leadership.

Practical Application: Pray for ministers to remain spiritually alert, morally upright, doctrinally sound and steadfast in the face of opposition.

d) Ministers Need the Support of the Church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

Paul instructed believers to recognise those who labour among them, are over them in the Lord and admonish them.

The Church has a responsibility to appreciate and support faithful ministers. Such support should include encouragement, practical assistance, respect for their biblical responsibilities and consistent intercession.

A church that prays for its ministers contributes to the spiritual strength and effectiveness of its leadership.

Practical Application: Do not limit your relationship with your minister to receiving sermons and counsel. Become a prayer partner who supports the work of the ministry.

Biblical Example: The Church Praying for Peter (Acts 12:5-11)

When Peter was imprisoned, the Church prayed earnestly to God for him. Peter was a leading apostle, yet he needed the prayers of the congregation. God responded by sending an angel to deliver him. This account demonstrates that ministers need the spiritual support of the Church, especially in times of danger and opposition.

2. WHAT WE MUST PRAY FOR WHEN PRAYING FOR MINISTERS

Paul's request in Ephesians 6:19-20 gives us a clear pattern for praying for ministers. He did not ask the believers to pray only for his comfort, popularity or material needs. His prayer requests were centred on the effectiveness and faithfulness of his Gospel assignment.

Our intercession for ministers should therefore address the spiritual qualities and resources required to fulfil God's calling.

a) Pray for Fresh Utterance and Divine Revelation (Ephesians 6:19)

Paul asked that utterance might be given to him. He desired God's help to communicate the mystery of the Gospel accurately and effectively.

Ministers need fresh insight into God's Word and the ability to communicate biblical truth clearly. Their preaching must not be driven by human wisdom alone but guided by the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application: Pray that ministers will receive fresh understanding of Scripture and grace to communicate God's truth with clarity and spiritual authority.

b) Pray for Boldness in Preaching the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20)

Paul asked for boldness to make known the mystery of the Gospel. He was in chains when he made this request, yet his concern remained the proclamation of Christ.

Ministers need courage to preach the whole counsel of God without fear of criticism, intimidation or persecution. They must be bold enough to confront sin, proclaim salvation and defend biblical truth with love and conviction.

Practical Application: Pray that ministers will not compromise God's Word to gain popularity or avoid opposition.

c) Pray for Spiritual Strength and Endurance (Isaiah 40:31)

The Bible declares that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

Ministry can be physically, emotionally and spiritually demanding. There are seasons of intense activity, unexpected challenges, disappointments and prolonged responsibilities.

Ministers need divine strength to remain faithful without becoming exhausted or discouraged.

Practical Application: Pray for renewed strength, good judgement, spiritual freshness and grace for ministers to fulfil their assignments.

d) Pray for Protection and Deliverance (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

Paul requested prayer that the Word of the Lord might have free course and be glorified, and that he and his companions might be delivered from unreasonable and wicked people.

Ministers need God's protection against physical danger, spiritual attacks, false accusations and destructive opposition. Their families also need divine covering and peace.

Practical Application: Pray for the safety of ministers, their families and their ministry assignments, asking God to deliver them from evil and preserve them in His will.

Biblical Example: Paul and His Ministry Partners (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

Paul openly requested prayer for the progress of the Gospel and deliverance from wicked and unreasonable people. His request demonstrates that even those who carry great spiritual responsibilities need the prayers of fellow believers.

3. THE AREAS OF A MINISTER'S LIFE THAT REQUIRE PRAYER

A minister is not only a preacher or church leader. He or she is also a person with spiritual, emotional, physical, family and personal responsibilities. Therefore, intercession must cover the whole life of the minister.

We must not focus exclusively on the pulpit and ignore the person behind the pulpit. The minister's private life, family relationships, spiritual health and personal integrity all affect the quality of ministry.

a) Pray for the Minister's Personal Relationship with God (John 15:4-5)

Jesus taught that branches must abide in the vine because they cannot bear fruit by themselves.

A minister's effectiveness begins with a personal relationship with Christ. Public ministry must flow from private fellowship with God. A minister may become busy with programmes, meetings, counselling and administration while neglecting personal devotion.

Practical Application: Pray that ministers will maintain a strong personal prayer life, love God's Word and remain deeply connected to Christ.

b) Pray for Their Families and Marriages (Joshua 24:15)

Ministers have family responsibilities, and their households also need spiritual care, love and attention.

The demands of ministry can place pressure on marriages and family relationships. Ministers' spouses and children may also face unique challenges because of public expectations and ministry commitments.

Practical Application: Pray for ministers' marriages, children and households. Ask God to establish peace, love, understanding and spiritual growth in their families.

c) Pray for Their Physical and Emotional Well-being (3 John 2)

The Scripture expresses the desire that believers prosper and be in health, even as their souls prosper.

Ministers need strength to fulfil their assignments. Constant travel, long meetings, counselling responsibilities and other demands can place pressure on their bodies and emotions.

Practical Application: Pray for ministers to enjoy good health, emotional stability, adequate rest and wisdom in managing their responsibilities.

d) Pray for Their Integrity and Holiness (1 Timothy 4:16)

Paul instructed Timothy to take heed to himself and to his doctrine and continue in them.

A minister must guard both personal character and biblical teaching. Gifts and public success cannot replace integrity. Ministers need grace to remain humble, truthful, pure and accountable.

Practical Application: Pray that ministers will be preserved from moral failure, greed, pride, hypocrisy and every form of compromise.

Biblical Example: Job Praying for His Children (Job 1:5)

Job regularly offered sacrifices on behalf of his children because he was concerned about their spiritual condition. His example reminds us that spiritual responsibility includes concern for the household. We should similarly remember ministers and their families in our prayers.

4. THE DANGERS OF NEGLECTING TO PRAY FOR MINISTERS

When believers fail to pray for their ministers, they neglect an important biblical responsibility. Ministers may continue serving, but they do so without the level of spiritual support that the Church is expected to provide.

Neglecting intercession can also create an unhealthy church culture in which people demand much from their leaders but invest little in their spiritual well-being.

a) It Leaves Ministers Without Needed Spiritual Support (1 Thessalonians 5:25)

Paul simply told the Thessalonian believers, “Brethren, pray for us.”

This request demonstrates that ministers need the prayer support of fellow Christians. Even spiritually mature leaders recognise that they are dependent on God's grace and the intercession of others.

Practical Application: Make it a deliberate commitment to pray regularly for your pastor and other ministers.

b) It Can Contribute to Discouragement and Weariness (Hebrews 12:3)

The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to consider Christ so that they will not become weary and faint in their minds.

Ministers may experience discouragement when they face opposition, criticism, slow progress or difficult pastoral situations. Prayer and encouragement from the Church can help them remain steadfast.

Practical Application: Avoid unnecessary criticism and discouraging remarks. Support ministers with prayer, encouragement and constructive communication.

c) It Weakens the Church's Culture of Mutual Responsibility (Galatians 6:2)

The command to bear one another's burdens applies to the whole body of Christ. When believers expect ministers to carry every burden without offering prayerful support, the principle of mutual care is weakened.

The Church must understand that ministry is not the responsibility of one person alone. Every believer has a role in supporting the work of God.

Practical Application: Become actively involved in the spiritual life of your church through prayer, service and encouragement.

d) It Neglects an Important Part of Advancing the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Paul asked believers to pray that the Word of the Lord would have free course and be glorified.

The progress of the Gospel is connected with the faithful proclamation of God's Word. When ministers are supported through prayer, they are strengthened to carry out their assignments with greater confidence and perseverance.

Practical Application: Pray not only for the personal welfare of ministers but also for the effectiveness and fruitfulness of their Gospel assignments.

Biblical Example: Moses and the Battle Against Amalek (Exodus 17:8-13)

During Israel's battle against Amalek, Moses stood on a hill with the rod of God in his hand. When his hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur supported them, and Israel prevailed. This account illustrates the importance of supporting those carrying spiritual responsibilities. Ministers also need people who will strengthen them rather than leave them to carry every burden alone.

5. HOW TO PRAY EFFECTIVELY FOR MINISTERS

Effective prayer for ministers must be intentional, consistent and guided by Scripture. It should not be limited to occasional prayers during church services or special programmes.

Every believer can develop a practical pattern of intercession that covers ministers and their assignments. Such prayer should be offered with faith, love and perseverance.

a) Pray Regularly and Consistently (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

The Bible commands believers to pray without ceasing. This means maintaining a consistent attitude of dependence on God.

Ministers need prayer not only when they face public challenges but also during ordinary seasons of ministry. Daily intercession helps us remember their responsibilities and needs.

Practical Application: Include your pastor and other ministers in your daily prayer schedule.

b) Pray Specifically According to Scripture (Colossians 1:9-12)

Paul's prayers for believers were specific. He prayed for knowledge of God's will, spiritual understanding, fruitful living and strength.

Our prayers for ministers should also be specific. We should pray for sound doctrine, holiness, wisdom, boldness, spiritual growth, family stability and fruitful ministry.

Practical Application: Use relevant Scriptures as a guide when praying for ministers. Avoid making your intercession vague or limited to general requests.

c) Pray with Love and Without a Critical Spirit (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Intercession must flow from a heart of love. It is difficult to sincerely support someone in prayer while deliberately nurturing bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness towards that person.

This does not mean that ministers should never be corrected or held accountable. Rather, correction must be guided by truth, love and biblical principles.

Practical Application: Refuse gossip, bitterness and destructive criticism. Pray sincerely for ministers, even when you disagree with some of their decisions.

d) Pray with Perseverance and Thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2)

Paul instructed believers to continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

Some ministry challenges require sustained prayer. We must not stop interceding because we do not immediately see the results we desire.

Thanksgiving also reminds us to appreciate what God is already doing through the lives and ministries of His servants.

Practical Application: Maintain a prayer record for ministers and regularly thank God for their lives, families and ministry progress.

Biblical Example: The Church at Antioch Praying for Missionaries (Acts 13:1-3)

The church at Antioch worshipped, fasted and prayed. The Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. The church responded by praying and sending them forth. This demonstrates how a praying congregation can support and participate in the advancement of ministry.

6. THE BLESSINGS AND RESULTS OF PRAYING FOR MINISTERS

Praying for ministers benefits both the servants of God and the Church they serve. It strengthens the spiritual relationship between leaders and members and creates an atmosphere of mutual responsibility.

As believers faithfully intercede, ministers receive prayerful support, and the Church becomes more conscious of its shared responsibility in advancing God's kingdom.

a) It Strengthens Ministers for Their Assignments (Isaiah 40:31)

Those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength. Ministers who receive consistent prayer support are encouraged to depend on God's strength rather than human ability.

Practical Application: Pray that ministers will receive renewed strength and grace to fulfil their calling faithfully.

b) It Promotes the Bold Proclamation of the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20)

Paul specifically requested prayer for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel.

When we pray for ministers, we are supporting the proclamation of God's Word. We are asking God to give them courage, clarity and faithfulness in communicating the truth.

Practical Application: Pray that ministers will preach Christ without fear, compromise or unnecessary distraction.

c) It Encourages Spiritual Growth in the Church (Ephesians 4:12-13)

God gives ministers to equip the saints and build up the body of Christ until believers grow towards spiritual maturity.

When ministers are strengthened and remain faithful to their assignments, the Church benefits through sound teaching, pastoral care and spiritual development.

Practical Application: Pray that your church will grow in biblical knowledge, Christian character, unity and effective service.

d) It Contributes to the Advancement of God's Kingdom (Philippians 1:19)

Paul expressed confidence that his situation would turn to his salvation through the prayers of believers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

This statement shows how Paul valued the intercession of the Church. Their prayers were part of the spiritual support he recognised in his ministry circumstances.

Practical Application: Pray for the success of Gospel assignments, missionary work, evangelism, church planting and discipleship.

Biblical Example: The Believers Praying for Paul (Romans 15:30-32)

Paul appealed to the believers in Rome to strive together with him in their prayers to God. He requested prayer concerning opposition, acceptance of his ministry and his journey. His appeal demonstrates that even an apostle valued the united intercession of believers.

CONCLUSION

Praying for ministers is a biblical responsibility that every believer must take seriously. Ministers are called by God to preach the Gospel, teach the Word, shepherd His people and advance His kingdom. However, they are not exempt from spiritual warfare, temptation, physical weakness, family pressures and the challenges of leadership. They need divine grace, wisdom, protection, boldness and the consistent prayer support of the Church. Paul's request in Ephesians 6:19 reminds us that even great ministers need the prayers of fellow believers.

Let us therefore become faithful prayer partners to those who serve God. Pray for their spiritual lives, families, health, integrity, protection and effectiveness in ministry. Do not wait until a minister experiences a crisis before you remember him or her in prayer. A praying Church strengthens its leadership and participates in the advancement of the Gospel. May God raise faithful intercessors in every congregation who will stand with His servants and support the work of the kingdom through persistent prayer.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a heart that is committed to praying faithfully for ministers in Jesus name.

2. Lord, strengthen every pastor, evangelist, missionary and Christian leader for their assignments in Jesus name.

3. Father, give Your ministers fresh revelation, utterance and boldness to preach Your Word in Jesus name.

4. Lord, preserve ministers from temptation, moral failure, deception and spiritual compromise in Jesus name.

5. Father, protect the families, marriages and children of Your servants in Jesus name.

6. Lord, renew the physical, emotional and spiritual strength of every weary minister in Jesus name.

7. Father, deliver Your servants from evil opposition, false accusations and every scheme of the enemy in Jesus name.

8. Lord, raise faithful prayer partners who will consistently support the work of ministry in Jesus name.

9. Father, let the Gospel advance with power, clarity and boldness through Your servants in Jesus name.

10. Lord, preserve Your ministers in holiness and faithfulness until they finish their assignments with joy in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall become a faithful prayer partner to God's servants.

2. Every minister you remember in prayer shall receive fresh grace and strength for the work of God.

3. The Lord shall raise faithful intercessors to support the ministers in your church.

4. Your pastors and spiritual leaders shall receive wisdom and boldness to proclaim the Gospel.

5. The families of God's servants shall enjoy divine peace, protection and preservation.

6. Every minister experiencing discouragement shall receive renewed strength and encouragement from the Lord.

7. The work of the Gospel shall advance through the faithful service of God's ministers.

8. The Lord shall preserve His servants from temptation, deception and destructive compromise.

9. Your church shall become a community of prayer, love and spiritual support for its leaders.

10. You shall share in the advancement of God's kingdom through faithful intercession and service, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.