This morning I want to share with you a message from Kathy Branzell of the National Day of Prayer:
As we turn our calendars to October we celebrate Pastors with appreciation and focus on them and the Church in prayer. As the Church, we are not merely consumers but contributors and participants with our Pastors. They preach, counsel, lead and love as they shepherd their congregation in the Word of God to help equip us. We take their teachings out of the church and into all we do to multiply and exemplify the messages throughout our week and lives. Our Pastors pray for us, disciple, and minister to us, but they are our brothers and sisters in Christ; we should pray and minister to them as well. Every minister at your church should have an intercessory team that is committed to pray each week for the minister and the activities, and people they are responsible for. We want to encourage you to share with your Pastor how they have discipled and ministered to you and show them appreciation in daily prayer and as the Lord directs you. You might even consider recruiting 52 volunteers to sign up for a particular week to pray and show appreciation to cover every week of the year.
Pray through the ministers and their families as well as each of the ministries at your church. If you do not already know, ask for the names of the missions and missionaries your church supports. Ask for a calendar of events to pray through your bulletin, website or app each week. You can even volunteer to pray for those who are sick, have visited your church or have submitted their names for prayer. Take time to express appreciation for Pastor in prayer and to them directly.
Will you please join me in prayer now?
Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, the head of the Church, our Savior and Lord. Thank you for our Pastors; for calling and equipping them to lead Your Church, disciple us, and teach us to live out Your commands and compassion. Thank You for this focused time to share and show our appreciation and we ask that You help us to know a specific way to express our gratefulness and respect. Give us insight or information about a certain need or gift that would delight their heart and prompt me to pray for them daily throughout the year.
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
About the National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.
National Day of Prayer Task Force
www.nationaldayofprayer.org/
