Topical Bible: Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Pray for Them

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In the Christian tradition, the relationship between ministers and their congregations is deeply rooted in mutual support, love, and prayer. The Bible emphasizes the importance of prayer for those in leadership, recognizing the spiritual battles they face and the responsibilities they bear in shepherding the flock.

Biblical Foundation for Praying for Ministers

The Apostle Paul, a prominent leader in the early church, frequently requested prayers from the believers he ministered to. In Ephesians 6:18-20 , Paul writes, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, divine utterance may be given me, so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should."

This passage highlights the necessity of prayer for ministers, as they require divine assistance to proclaim the gospel with boldness and clarity. The spiritual well-being and effectiveness of ministers are closely tied to the prayers of their people.

The Role of the Congregation

The congregation's role in praying for their ministers is not merely a suggestion but a biblical mandate. In 1 Thessalonians 5:25 , Paul succinctly urges, "Brothers, pray for us." This call to prayer is a recognition of the spiritual warfare that ministers encounter and the need for divine strength and wisdom in their leadership.

Hebrews 13:17 further underscores the responsibility of the congregation to support their leaders: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." While this verse primarily addresses obedience and submission, it implies a supportive relationship, which includes prayer.

Intercessory Prayer as a Spiritual Duty

Intercessory prayer for ministers is a spiritual duty that reflects the love and unity within the body of Christ. James 5:16 states, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse, while addressing prayer in a broader context, affirms the power and efficacy of prayer, encouraging believers to intercede for one another, including their leaders.

Examples from Scripture

The Old Testament also provides examples of intercessory prayer for leaders. In Exodus 17:11-13 , as Joshua fought the Amalekites, Moses stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hands. "As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword." This narrative illustrates the power of support and intercession for leaders engaged in spiritual battles.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for congregations to pray for their ministers is clear and compelling. Through prayer, believers participate in the spiritual fortification of their leaders, ensuring that they are equipped to fulfill their divine calling. This practice not only strengthens the ministers but also fosters a spirit of unity and mutual edification within the church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:30
Now I beseech you, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
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2 Corinthians 1:11
You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed on us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
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Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
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Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
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Library

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... Word of God, and also toward the people, is of ... No better instruction to ministers
has ever been given than ... not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

Advent Lessons
... The Sunday after that the ministers and stewards of God's ... God shall wipe away all
tears from their eyes; and ... stir up the wills of His faithful people, and we ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon v advent lessons.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... Ministers do not ask people to pray ... nor that they may be filled with an abundance
of the Spirit's influences, merely to promote their personal enjoyment. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm

On Being Filled with the Spirit
... Some people think that spiritual Christians are always very happy ... the darkness on
the minds of ministers in regard to religion, their earthliness and ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vii on being filled.htm

Motives from the Benefits of Work
... and for direction in duty, and for increase of knowledge and all saving grace; and
that ministers are purposely ... If our people did but know their duty, they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article i.htm

Paul and his Requests for Prayer (Continued)
... taken away from the churches to whom he ministers that Church ... this kind on the part
of his people for him. ... bound up in their prayers, and that their failure to ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xvi paul and his requests.htm

part ii
... more to be pitied, and the more diligent should we be for their recovery ... 2) I would
it were not the blame of ministers, that a great part of the people are so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... 5. As for the ministers of the Gospel, it is the very work of their calling to help ...
Some will not tell their people plainly of their sins, because they ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Ninth Lesson. Pray the Lord of the Harvest;'
... for the service of the Master as ministers, missionaries, or ... make this a matter of
supplication for their own circle ... Lord would so fill all His people with the ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/ninth lesson pray the lord.htm

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
... week after week, to preach to this crowd of people. ... and every denomination, wrestle
for your ministers; pray for them ... be like Christ, first, for their own sakes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christs peopleimitators of him.htm