In early spring of this year, I started thinking about what topic to write about for this year’s 31 Days series.  And even before War Room came out, the topic of prayer was something I couldn’t get away from. It has been said that “the enemy wants to limit your prayer, because he knows that your prayer will limit him.”  Truly, the enemy is at work in his attempt to discourage and hinder the ministry of our spiritual leaders as they follow Christ. Pastors have many struggles and face difficult things- often invisible to you- that can cause a ripple effect into our churches- and into YOU. More than ever we need to be on our knees, covering specific areas of our pastors’ lives with prayer.

     I believe it’s important to have a plan in prayer so that we remain focused. So during the month of October, I’ll be posting each day with a key word/phrase, a key Scripture passage, and two prayer guides. One prayer guide will be for church members to use, and the other will be for pastors’ wives to use. At the end of the month, you will each receive a FREE, reusable and printable calendar that you can laminate and hang {if you wish} or put in your Bible for repeated use.  I’ve created and used prayer calendars before {to pray for my husband} and know that God does give specific answers when we pray specifically. I believe it will be the same as you pray for your pastor)s). But interestingly, these answers may not have as much to do with your pastor(s) as they do with how God is changing you.  Seeking God always brings about positive change- just not always the change we were expecting. But maybe I’m letting a secret out too soon….

      This prayer challenge begins with you, and with your commitment before God to pray for your pastor(s):

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

     Today, on Day 1, ask God to keep you faithful in prayer for your pastor(s) this month. Take it a step farther and ask Him to deeply impress on you the need to continue in prayer beyond the month of October. Ask Him to give you a burden and to prompt you daily in the months and years to come. Who can say what God will do and how He will move in your church as a result of your prayers?

     I would love to hear how God uses this month of prayer in your life. So feel free to jot me a message anytime and share how God is blessing! And- if you haven’t already- don’t forget to sign up to receive posts via email {up at the top of this page} so you get your prayer prompt each day. You may want to check your spam box if you’ve subscribed but aren’t seeing posts. THIS PAGE will be the landing page with links to all of the 31 day posts, so they can be found easily in the future.

     I’m so excited about doing this with you! My hope is that you will indeed decide to make specific prayer for your pastor(s) a part of your daily routine even beyond the 31 day challenge. Consider letting your pastor(s) know that you are praying daily and specifically for them. Hands down, this is the very best gift you will ever give to your pastor(s)!

XOXO,

A Kindred Spirit

P.S. for Pastors’ Wives {because he’s YOUR pastor, too}:

I see and know firsthand the need for pastors’ wives to be praying earnestly for their husbands a) because I am one and b) because I get emails daily from pastors’ wives.  No one knows better than we do what deep struggles pastors’ families face in the dynamics of family and ministry.  We plead for our churches to pray for us, that we would be delivered from evil, that our ministry would be an effective,  Godly testament to the grace of the Gospel in our lives. Yet, only one person is so close to your pastor, and can pray with specific knowledge like no other can. Only one person will love him and stand by him when everyone else walks away. Only one person can encourage him when he is criticized and falsely accused. Only one person can share in the joy of ministering together and seeing God change lives. It’s you- the pastor’s wife. Join me in this challenge?

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LINKS TO THIS SERIES:

Day 2: Calling to Ministry

Day 3: Encouragement During Times of Struggle

Day 4: Preaching and Communication

Day 5: Rest During Time Off

Day 6: Teamwork and Staff Unity

Day 7: Wisdom in Counseling 

Day 8: Producing the Fruit of the Spirit

Day 9: Deliverance from Temptation

Day 10: Love for God

Day 11: Knowledge of God’s Will

Day 12: Man of Prayer

Day 13: A Peaceful Heart

Day 14: Health and Safety

Day 15: Student of the Word

Day 16: Pleasing God, Not People

Day 17: Godly Father

Day 18: Godly Marriage

Day 19: Moral Purity

Day 20: Godly Friendships

Day 21: Graceful Speech

Day 22: A Grateful Heart

Day 23: A Cheerful Giver

Day 24: Heart for Missions

Day 25: Mentoring/Discipleship

Day 26: Love for People

Day 27: Servant’s Heart

Day 28: Financial Wisdom