Good Reasons To Pray For Your Pastor

In Colossians 4, as part of the Apostle Paul’s concluding remarks to his letter to the church at Colossae, he requested for them to keep praying for themselves and for him. This request contains very vital instructions we can learn from to help us pray for ourselves and our dear Pastors who are labouring in the house of God.

What was Paul’s request and what can we learn from it?

In Colossians 4:2-4 Paul says,

“2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

From the text above, it is clear that Paul is instructing them to pray for themselves and also for him.

#1. Pray For Yourselves (4:2)

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

The first instruction Paul gives to the church is that they should devote themselves to prayer as a way of life. The New King James Version says “continue earnestly in prayer”. Paul wants the church to catch the spirit of intercession. He further notes that they must do it with an attitude of “being watchful and thankful”. We must pray, stay alert, and be thankful to God for what He has done.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul encouraged the saints to pray without ceasing and whilst at that, they must give thanks in everything (5:17-18). Indeed, Jesus instructed His disciples to pray always and not faint (Luke 18:1). Prayer is an important spiritual disciple we must all cultivate as believers. 

#2. Pray For Us (4:3-4)

“3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

The second thing Paul tells the church (believers) to do as a way of devotion was to pray for them (Paul and his companions on the field). I mean, you will wonder if the great Apostle Paul really needed prayers. But such is the Christian life. No one is above prayer. Everyone needs prayer to be sustained in his calling. In fact, Paul requested for so many prayers from the churches and they are all recorded in the epistles he wrote:

• “Finally, brothers, pray for us…” (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
• “Brothers, pray for us as well…” (1 Thessalonians 5:25)
• “you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:11)
• “Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” (Romans 15:30)
• “for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:19)
• “At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you.” (Philemon 1:22)

Here are the lessons we can pick from Paul:

1. He Requested For Prayers (4:3)

“And pray for us, too”

If your Pastor has not openly asked you, know that he needs prayers for his work. There are unseen spiritual battles Pastors fight in addition to the physical ones.

2. He Was Specific About His Request (4:3-4)

Paul was specific in his request. He was not ambiguous. He knew what he wanted. We must not go to the Lord in prayer for our Pastor without knowing what he needs. 

There are three important requests on his list:

1. Opportunity to Preach: “that God may open a door for our message”

The first request was that God will open a door of opportunity to preach the gospel.

For us, we may want to ask God for our Pastors to be healthy in order to preach the word of truth. We may also want to pray for more doors to be opened for the sharing of the faith.

2. Contents to Preach: “so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains”

The second request was that they can proclaim ‘the mystery of Christ’. It is not enough to want the opportunity to preach if your preaching is not biblical and gospel in nature. Jesus instructed His disciples that when they go, they must preach the gospel of the kingdom of God.

3. Faithful to Preach: “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

The third request is that they will faithfully proclaim the truth of the gospel. Paul told Timothy to preach in season and out of season because God will judge him for that work.

Child of God, I will urge you to devote yourself to prayers and also remember to pray for your Pastor.

What have you learnt from this post? Share with us.