I’ve written it before, and I’ll say it again today: we need to pray for each other proactively, not just reactively; that is, we must pray for each other before the enemy wins. Every day, it becomes more apparent to me that all of us who lead in Christian work need prayer warriors intentionally praying for us. Here’s why:
- The battle is real. Paul wasn’t kidding when he said that we wrestle against principalities and powers (Eph. 6:12).
- Temptations are everywhere. We can’t avoid them, and we’re not strong enough in our own power to fight them.
- The enemy particularly comes after leaders (see here to learn of particular ways). He knows that followers lose heart when leaders struggle.
- The battle doesn’t get easier. It might change over the years, but it doesn’t get easier.
- We’re all vulnerable. Every one of us.
So, who’s praying for you today?
Hey Chuck,
Nearly 20 years ago, I read an article by Sammy Tippit that talked about having a group of people who pray specifically for his sermon prep & his preaching. As a new senior pastor (I had been in youth ministry for 17 years), I felt strongly that I needed a group like that. Based on that article, I began enlisting my “Email Prayer Warriors” for that purpose. I now have about 260 people who get a short email from me each week w/ my sermon Scripture & title for the upcoming Sunday’s sermon. It has been a huge blessing to have this group of people who are committed to that specific area of prayer for me (may I add you to that list?).
I also have a small group of guys who are my “go-to” prayer & accountability partners who pray for me (& I for them) for the very reasons you listed in your email. SO critically important to have that kind of support & those kinds of friends!
Thanks for your insights & your ministry!
Thanks, Jon.