A Hedge of Protection by Joshua Rogers First I must say this, simply having the title of Pastor, Elder, Minister, or etc. does not make them better or more anointed than the average church attendee or new convert. However that title does bring a greater responsibility, mandate and accountability from man and especially God. James 3:1 AMP “Not many should become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity.” The vast majority of congregations around the world are ignorant about the daily warfare in the natural and spiritual that their leaders face, not including the sacrifices one makes in that position. One way to assist leaders of the ministry is prayer. The importance and power of prayer cannot be overstated. As I write this, Holy Spirit led me to Job where it mentions he prayed for his children as often as possible (Job1:5) and during the time when the devil was roaming around seeking one to devour( 1 Peter 5:8) he found one who himself had no one praying a hedge of protection over him. As a leader in training at COPFM, members ask me often, “What can I do to help more?” I always say be present for services, join a branch of ministry and pray, pray, pray for Pastor Joel and Co-Pastor Ylwanda, their family and the Ministry. Here are a few pointers on praying for your church leadership. 1. Cover the pastors and their family in the blood: As Co-Pastor tells us on a regular basis the enemy cannot pass the blood line. Exodus 12:23 “…and when he sees the blood on the lintel, the LORD will not suffer the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you.” 2. Ask God to keep our pastors away from sin: Psalms 19:13 “Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;” Psalms 26:3. 3. Our pastors’ relationship with God and family remains strong: Deut 6:5; Songs of Solomon 7:10, Eph 5:25, 6:4; 1 Tim 3:2-5. 4. Pray for the Fruits and Gifts of The Spirit to be evident in their life: Gal 5:22-25, 1 Cor 12:111, 14:1. 5. Pray that Holy Spirit speaks clearly and gives direction to our Pastors: Acts 5:29 6. Pray that God reveals those with impure motives in pastors’ social circle (workers of evil): Psalms 2:2-5; 1 Kings 13:1-22. 7. Pray that God will raise up people in the ministry to assist (This prevents burnout): Exodus18:13-25; Acts 6:2-5 8. Pray that the Lord binds all demonic inspired opposition towards the ministry: Acts 4:29-30, chapter 27, Eph 6:10-18 9. Pray for the finances for the ministry: Psalms 118:25 10. Pray for church growth: Acts 2:47, 5:14
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