12 Reasons You Need to Pray for Your Pastor Tomorrow

Maybe the title of this post is unusual, especially since tomorrow is Saturday rather than Sunday. Nevertheless, many pastors will need our prayers tomorrow, and here are some reasons why:

1. Some have had crazy weeks, and they just need to rest before preaching on Sunday. Ministry gets that way sometimes.
2. Others have also had crazy weeks, and they need tomorrow to finalize their sermon. That happens, too.
3. Some are bi-vocational, and tomorrow is the only day they have to focus on their sermon. The rest of the week, they’re working secular jobs so they can lead their church.
4. Some will preach tomorrow night. Most churches don’t have a Saturday night service, but some do.
5. Some have wrestled with sin this week, and they desperately want their heart to be right for Sunday. Pastors are human, too, and they need a time of confession and cleansing. 
6. Some have deep family issues, and they’re already distracted this weekend. Sometimes it’s their marriage. At other times, it’s their wayward children. In some cases, it might even be their parents.
7. Some are struggling with their calling to their particular church. No one else may know that, but they carry a unique burden alone every time they step into the pulpit.
8. Some know they haven’t managed their time well this week. All the preparation for Sunday is now piled up on them, and they are dealing with guilt.
9. All want to honor the Lord with their preaching. No pastors I know want to do anything less than please the Lord with their message.
10. Some are super excited about preaching, and they run the risk of doing it in their own power. Most of us struggle with this issue at some point in our ministry.
11. Some are facing internal church struggles, and their hearts are heavy. Sadly, even going to the church building brings pain. 
12. They bear the responsibility of leading God’s church. For that reason alone, they need our prayers. The weight of shepherding God’s people is heavy. 

I encourage you to take some time right now and pray for your pastors–then be sure to pray for them tomorrow, too. And, if you’re a pastor struggling to get everything done this week, maybe this post will help you: “When Saturday’s Overwhelming for a Preacher.”