I am writing this post after having preached two messages at a local church earlier today. Prior to preaching, I sought the prayer support of my personal prayer team; several then sent emails and texts letting me know they had prayed for me. Here’s why that’s important to me—and why I encourage you to make it important to you (either as a layperson praying or as a pastor intentionally seeking prayer):
- Seeking and securing prayer is one way of admitting, “I can’t do this task on my own.” I need to remember this truth often. It’s easy to get in the routine of preaching and do the work in our own power—which means we sacrifice the power of God on the altar of our own ability. Admitting I really do need prayer warriors is also admitting I need God to work through me in the preaching event.
- I know I’m not alone in this task. Of course, I know God is with me through His Spirit. Still, there’s also something special about knowing brothers and sisters in Christ whom God has given me have prayed for me before I preach. When you know others stand with you, God increases your strength and faith as needed to preach.
- I’m more prepared and ready to speak even that which is hard from the Word. Preaching is never easy; in fact, I’ve written in the past about why preaching sometimes scares me. On the other hand, knowing prayer warriors have already taken my preaching to the Lord grows my confidence and strengthens my backbone for the preaching task.
- I’m more aware of and equipped for the enemy’s attacks before, during, and after preaching. I’m not surprised when temptation increases before preaching, when distractions in my mind happen while preaching, or when ego grabs me after preaching. The enemy always comes after those who preach the Word—and knowing others are praying for me helps me recognize and respond rightly to the enemy’s attacks.
- It’s easier for me to deflect any praise after preaching. I can’t say that I always get affirmation after I’ve preached, but I can say I know it’s encouraging and fun to get it. And, I must admit that it can at times become a cause for pride. Knowing that folks have prayed me through the work, though, helps keep me grounded (I hope. . .).
- I personally pray more. When you know other prayer warriors are taking you before the Lord, you more clearly recognize your own responsibility to be with God. I pray more about my preparation and my preaching because I know others are praying, too.
So, pray for your pastors this week—and let them know you’re praying. If you are a pastor, secure some prayer partners to intercede for you this week. You will preach differently if you do.