The structure of a person’s prayer will vary from time to time. During times of victory praise and thanks may dominate. When adversity and opposition come petition may become the main emphasis of prayer
(John Lathrop)
Followers of Jesus are supposed to pray, the Lord Himself told us that (Matt. 6:5). The early disciples were people of prayer (Acts 1:14). The apostle Paul was also a person of prayer, read his letters and you will see that. He, at times, tells the recipients of his letters that he prays for them.
Paul also affirmed that other Christians should pray. This is clear from his instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Ephesians 6:18. These verses were written to churches, so these instructions apply to all the believers.
Ephesians 6:18 encourages prayers for others. First Thessalonians 5:17 does not specify who the prayer should be for, so there is great freedom about what one may pray for. It is clear also from Scripture that a Christian can either pray with their mind or with their spirit (1 Cor. 14:15).
A Christian worker, at least one who is serious about serving the Lord, will pray. Part of the reason for this is the nature of the work itself. The work of the ministry is opposed by the sinful nature of humanity and the powers of darkness (Eph. 6:10-12).
The structure of a person’s prayer will vary from time to time. During times of victory praise and thanks may dominate. When adversity and opposition come petition may become the main emphasis of prayer.
Generally speaking Christian workers do not lack things to pray about (usually the opposite is true). Nonetheless, below is a list of suggested prayer points for a person who is involved in Christian ministry.
All of these things are on God’s heart for His leaders. As we pray these points we are praying Scripture, God’s Word.
“Lord, please . . .
• Give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know you better (Eph. 1:17).
• May I have the humility that you desire (Jas. 4:10).
• Create in me the character that you desire (Gal. 5:22-23).
• Let me at all times operate in love (John 13:34).
• Help me to be holy (1 Pet. 1:14-15).
• May I be faithful (1 Cor. 4:2).
• Put in me the ability to be steadfast in Your work (1 Cor. 15:58).
• Make me a competent minister of the new covenant (2 Cor. 3:6).
• May I be equipped by Your Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
• Help me to present Your Word to others (2 Tim. 4:2).
• Let me proclaim Your truth completely (Acts 20:20, 27).
• May the power of my ministry be found not in my abilities but in Your Spirit (1 Cor. 2:1-4).
• Cause me to be fruitful (John 15:16).
• Let me join with others in being a worker for Your Kingdom (Col. 4:11).
Help me to bring You glory. Amen.”
I am not suggesting that this list become a formula that one should follow. I offer it only as a reminder of important scriptural qualities that Christian workers need to have in their lives. As the needs of ministry press upon us may these prayer points serve to remind us to care for our own souls.
John P. Lathrop - United States
John P. Lathrop is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Zion Bible Institute, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s Center for Urban Ministerial Education (CUME). He is an ordained minister with the International Fellowship of Christian Assemblies and has twenty years of pastoral experience.
