In looking at the responsibility of elders, we have already noted that they lead and teach the church. Today we are going to see a third important task that they have and that is praying for the church.
James Rosscup says, "If the preacher is to deliver God’s message with power, prayer must permeate his life and furnish a lifelong environment for the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22,23). His spiritual example causes others to take his message seriously, As a follower of God, his spiritual credibility forcefully attracts others to follow him, because he is a trailblazer, he practices single-minded devotion to God. He humbly renders all glory to God and submits to His Word. He demonstrates honesty and discipline of the tongue, time, mind, and body, along with fervent resourcefulness. As he calls others to obedience, God uses his trailblazing leadership to mark the way. All desirable spiritual qualities, particularly godliness and dependence on God, are basic ingredients in the experience of a praying preacher" (Rediscovering Expository Preaching, p.64).
Prayer is the Priority of the Church
When you examine the New Testament church you learn that prayer was the Priority of the Apostles In Acts 6:4 the apostles state that it is greater than any physical need that could arise in the fellowship. They said, "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." They were not overlooking the problems that were in the church. They saw a greater need to continue to prayer and minister the word. James even makes this point when he instructs those in the church who are sick to call for the elders of the church to pray for them. He says, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let him pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (Jas.5:4).
Prayer is the Priority of All Believers
It doesn't take too long to learn that prayer is also the priority of all believers. Just as random look at the Scriptures would reveal that to be so. Notice a few of those instances:
1. The church at Jerusalem - Acts 2:42 - They continued steadfastly in...prayers.
2. The church at Ephesus - Eph.6:18 - praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
3. The church at Philippi - Phil.4:6 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.
4. The church at Colosse - Col.4:2 - Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
5. The church at Thessalonica - 1 Thess.5:17 - Pray without ceasing.
John MacArthur states "Prayer may well be the most difficult spiritual exercise we engage in. It is hard work first of all because it is selfless...It is hard work to pray on behalf of God, His will, and His people. It’s easy for us to pray when a problem hits us...The person who prays only in times of personal need has a weak prayer life. The person who is able to abandon himself in unceasing prayer on behalf of God’s eternal kingdom and the needs of His redeemed people brings glory to God" (The Master’s Plan for the Church, p.47).
Donald McDougall adds, "If the church wants to succeed in it’s God-given mission, its leadership must realize that one of its greatest needs is more prayer meetings, not more planning meetings. If the monthly leadership meetings would give more time to praying than to planning, leaders would soon find changes in attitude, in perspective on ministry, and in results. The bottom-line objective is for the leadership to face the fact that the church of which they are a part is not their church; it is God’s church. And the people they lead are not their flock but very distinctly God’s flock. The purpose of their meetings is not to come to a consensus about running the church but to wait upon God to find out how He wishes His church to run" (Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry, p.186).
Leading, teaching and praying are three extremely important responsibilities of those who lead the church. Will you covet to pray for your elders that they too will fulfill these without any hindrance?
Older
Top
