3 Groups WL's should be Praying For
Last week, we spent some time talking about prayer. We discussed heavy seasons of prayer and seasons when prayer may seem like a difficult thing to do. We looked into Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” We talked about the gift of empathy and the permission we have to approach the throne the way Jesus did. (READ THAT POST HERE)
Today I want to continue that conversation, but instead of focusing on ourselves, let’s look at 3 other groups of people we should be praying for as worship leaders: our leaders, our teams, and our churches.
YOUR LEADERS
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I forget to do this. Maybe it’s because I’m focused on myself, maybe I forget they need it, I’m not sure. But I sometimes forget to pray for my leaders. I think other people do to. That must be why Paul wrote this in a letter to Timothy:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” The next verse says that doing so pleases God. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Paul knew leaders need prayer. All leaders. All those in authority. When it comes to church leaders, he later says this: “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)
Between those two statements, I’d say our church leaders need a lot prayer. In Colossians 1:9-12, the Apostle Paul prays over the church asking God to give them knowledge, wisdom and understanding, that they would bear fruit and be strengthened. What a great prayer to pray for our pastors and leaders as well!
YOUR CHURCH
What do you typically pray for your church? In a smaller setting you may be able to pray for specific needs. In a larger setting, that gets more difficult. Regardless, I think Paul had a great starting point for this group too.
In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays a very similar prayer to what I suggested for your pastors in Colossians 1. Here’s a couple lines from that prayer that I think we should be praying over our churches:
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
A pastor’s job is to equip the saints. I lump worship leaders in with that job too. Prayer is a great way to begin! I don’t know about you but I absolutely want my church to be enlightened, know His hope, the riches of His glory, and His great power. That’s what I’m praying for my church this week.
YOUR TEAM
1 Corinthians 3:9 tells us, “we are coworkers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” In other words, we’re teammates!
When Paul writes this, he’s actually talking a church that’s divided (I hope that’s not you!). Some of the church wanted to follow one leader, while others in the church wanted to follow another. Paul writes to tell them that what they are focused on is not nearly as important as the work of the Lord.
That’s what I encourage you to pray over your team: that they would focus on the work of the Lord. It’s easy to get distracted by music, or traditional vs contemporary services, or anything else, but when we gather to lead it’s really about nothing other than Him.
Here’s my challenge to you: set aside time this week to pray for your leaders, your team and your church. Even if it’s just a few minutes. A few minutes of prayer can make a lifetime of difference. Don’t know what to pray? Pray the prayers of Paul above!