Thank you - to Pastors

Thank you - to Pastors, Ministers, and Clergy.

(Number one in a series of eight prayers.)

Lord, God, I want to thank you for the gift you have given to your people in pastors, ministers, clergy, and chaplains. 

You gave each one a great spiritual gift, enabling them to come alongside people in the greatest moments of joy, surprise, and grief. At the child's birth, announcing to a congregation, their faces shine with joy. Baptisms bring families together in celebration. At the news of a young man and a young woman falling into love, there is the pleasure of surprise, anticipation, and beauty.

And at any moment, there may come a phone call, telling them of a death.

Thank you, Loving Father, that pastors and all who care for human souls can come close to men and women's deepest emotions. Thank you for the high calling in Jesus Christ to speak of eternal things, of salvation, redemption, the cross's message, and reconciliation between those who have been divided because of race, religion, ethnic background, or economic station. 

Many ministers walk a lonely life. My prayer at this time of the Covid-19 crisis is for stamina in the face of discouragement. Many older pastors have little experience with digital communications. May they find people to help them communicate to all members of their community. May pastors and ministers have the courage to share the Gospel when convenient and when it is not so convenient. 

In a day when training others is difficult, may they remember one of the purposes given to them: "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:12-13. 

Lord God, build up your church in the midst of these years. Amen."