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Pastors Must Model Prayer
Have you ever wondered why the Bible so often calls us to wait? (e.g., Isa. 40:31, Psa. 52:9, Acts 1:4). One reason must be that we are often impatient; we want God to respond to our needs in a microwave fashion.
We church leaders want God to change our churches right now. Sometimes it even seems like we want the answers to our prayers before we ever pray the prayer!
Praying pastors realize God’s timing seldom matches ours. He does not always respond as quickly as we would like?but we can still trust him to accomplish his plan.
The most basic prayer ministry principle is: the pastor must set the example. We are fighting on the wrong battlefield. The battle is to be won on our knees. Then we can go out and do what God tells us to do.
A praying church begins with a praying pastor. Pastor, ask yourself: “If all of my church members prayed as much and as fervently as I do, should I expect my church to grow?” If your answer is “no,” you know where to begin.
(Adapted from an article by Chuck Lawless, Ph.D., Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth and Dean of the Billy Graham School at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)
