“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Acts 6:4
Pastors have a multiplicity of assignments and responsibilities within their local church. Many pastors are providing wisdom, guidance and discipleship to leaders globally. Pastors teach, preach, council members in need, dedicate new homes, businesses, and babies to the Lord. We grieve with those who are grieving and celebrate with those who are celebrating life accomplishments.
Acts 6:4 reminds us that despite the many responsibilities of being called to pastor, prayer must be the number one priority concerning the churches we lead.
The apostles realized that they needed to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word while simultaneously not neglecting the needs of the church. Most importantly, pastors are called to devote themselves to pray faithfully, fervently and consistently for the church.
According to Barna Group, a Christian research organization, the average pastor spends five minutes a day in prayer, while the average Christian spends one minute.
Being devoted means consecrated to a purpose; strongly attached; zealous; wholeheartedly, not half-hearted. It means to continually and steadfastly pray without ceasing. Pastors need more than a prayer list, we need a prayer life! We must take prayer seriously and not casually.
To “devote yourself to prayer" means to dedicate a significant amount of dedicated time and focus to prayer, making it a central and consistent part of your life, essentially prioritizing prayer above other activities; it signifies a commitment to regularly and earnestly communicate with God through prayer.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Prayer is often associated with time throughout Scripture. For example, in Acts 3, we learn that Peter and John went “up to the temple at the hour of prayer, [which was] the ninth hour”, which is 3:00 p.m. In Acts 10:30, we find out that Cornelius received his angelic vision when he “was praying in [his] house at the ninth hour.” In Acts 10:9 we read that Peter “went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray” which is 12:00 p.m.
It is also worth noting that when Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He included the phrase “Give us this day our daily bread” in Matthew 6:11. Jesus instructed His disciples to make prayer a daily discipline. Pastors who desire to be like Jesus, pray without ceasing, morning, noon and night!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:19
Schedule time: Set aside a specific time in your day for prayer. You can also set reminders on your phone to pray at certain times.
Find a quiet place: Remove distractions by praying in a clean, quiet place. You can turn off your phone, computer, and music.
Declutter your mind: Write down any important thoughts or create a to-do list.
Pray out loud: Speaking your prayers aloud can help you focus.
Keep a prayer journal: Writing down your prayers can help you maintain concentration. You can write a letter to God, copy and read a prayer, or thank God for His blessings.
Read the Bible: Read the Bible or pray scripture before you start praying.
Surrender your worries: Let go of your worries, fears, and day-to-day struggles and give them to God.
Be aware of the spiritual battle: Put on the armor of God and speak the name of Jesus.
“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer” Psalm 17:6
We must communicate with God in order to develop our relationship with Him and in order to grow in following Jesus. Prayer is one of the primary ways we can grow in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We get to know Him, we get to ask Him for help, and we get to learn to trust Him as we see Him actively involved in our lives. It’s our two-way communication!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Heavenly Father, thank you for Pastors who serve your people in congregations, hospitals, prisons and in locations across the globe. Bless them, keep them safe and make your face shine upon them. Lift up their countenance and give them peace. Father, help pastors to prioritize seeking Your face and rise above distractions in their prayer life. May they remain focused and calm, confident in the truth of Your Word and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today You are there with them.
With Great Expectation,
Gwen Bradley