Hebrews 13:7,17
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith ….. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you
OUTLINE: Everyone suffers, but a church flock often looks to leaders to be strong; almost superhuman. We expect our pastors and leaders to deal with whatever comes at them and to remain unflinching in faith, whatever the size of the challenge - and the challenges that they face in our present secular society and changing Church can be immense.
But pastors and other church leaders, as well as the spouses and families of these leaders, need their congregations to know that they, like everyone else, need support and that they appreciate our realistic expectations when they experience life’s challenges. And our best support comes as prayer.
PRAYER:
Almighty God, I come before you on behalf of the church leaders of our city. I name my own church leader, (say his/her name), giving thanks that you know the names of all the others. Lord, bless them, guide them, give them deep faith, wisdom, strength and your encouragement. May they discern your word for our congregation. Protect them and their families against any weapons formed against them, I specifically pray for their health and their relationships. Do this so that they may lead and serve us, Your people, in Spirit and truth. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
As well as individual church leaders, we commend to your prayers the leaders of Southampton Christian Network, Love Southampton, Southampton City Mission, the Amber Chaplains (supporting women who work in the sex industry), Southampton House of Prayer, CAP (Christians Against Poverty), Street Pastors, Firgrove (supporting issues related to pregnancy and childbirth), & Caraway (supporting the elderly).