Friend —
“Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.” Hebrews 13:17 NASB
This Sunday, October 10th is Pastors Appreciation Sunday, and an opportunity for you and your family to show appreciation to the Pastors that put in the work of keeping watch over dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of souls every week – not an easy job!
Just the ‘equipping of the saints (us) for the work of ministry’ task alone, not mentioning the hours and hours of meetings, intercession, and preparation that Pastors put in each and every week, can be exhausting. Many Pastors spend much more time with other families in their Churches than they do their own. Most are very generous with time, finances, encouragement, and are always ready to lend a hand to those in need of help – and it is often assumed that they are ‘fine’ and have no needs, but that assumption is often not true. The reality is that Pastors and their families often slip through the cracks and are the last to be ministered to.
In 2013, I had the blessing of helping to lead the National Day of Prayer – Pray for America Bus Tour and had the privilege of praying for and ministering to hundreds of pastors that year. Over and over again, we had Pastors begin to weep when we offered to pray for them, saying that they’d been in that church for years, and had never had anyone in their Church offer to pray for them! Our hearts were broken for these leaders, who were trying their hardest to ‘keep watch’, but missing the joy in that journey that Hebrews mentions. We quickly realized that most of these Pastors were always giving, but were rarely given to.
As you pray for leading and plan to show your Pastors appreciation this coming Sunday, first and foremost, let them know that you are praying for them. Then, take some practical steps to bless them and bring them some joy, whether it’s financially with cash, gifts, gift cards, or a weekend getaway. Perhaps it is helping them with a project at their home, babysitting, or meals now and then – whatever the Lord leads you to do to show appreciation – be generous.
Let’s pray – Father, we pray for our Pastors this week, that you would minister to them through us, and that they would know that we appreciate and value them for the tireless, selfless work that they do on our behalf. Bless them with all they need and pour out the joy of the Lord upon them in greater measure than they’ve ever experienced. Make us ministers of Your joy to them this Sunday, and all year long – we pray in Jesus Name, Amen
Your fellow workman,
Dion Elmore
Vice President
National Day of Prayer Task Force
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us tonight as we lift up pastors and churches in prayer! The monthly Pray For America call begins at 8 p.m. ET on our prayer line, (712) 432-0075, access code 4961322#. We look forward to praying with you!
UNITED IN LOVE
Are you looking for ways to fulfill love through action? United in Love is an initiative of the National Day of Prayer Task Force that builds bridges back to the Gospel and the heart of Jesus in our nation resulting in godly unity and love for one another. Check out our website https://www.unitedinlove.org/ to learn more about being activated to live a prayer-care-share lifestyle and find ministry efforts to join the work of caring for others and sharing the Gospel! You can also sign up for the United in Love newsletter to stay up to date on new opportunities, prayer needs and hear about the ways God is at work. Unite in love with us! |
I have so many Pastors that are my heroes of faith, dating back to my childhood! They have helped me become a better man of God, a better husband, father, grandpa and Pastor! Now we are living in an America where many do not have a Pastor, many children are growing up without a Mom and Dad, a Pastor and Church. I also loved going to Sunday school! We are paying a deep price for the dysfunction of our Country! I so much appreciate the PASTORS that are standing strong for GOD!
