FOR OUR ELDERS  

This week, we will be praying for our elders, as the men whom God has called to shepherd our church and exercise oversight (1 Pet. 5:1-3), and as those who are charged to sow the Word of God among us and keep watch over our souls (Heb. 13:7, 17). Let’s intercede on their behalf as we are called to do regularly, recognizing the heavy burdens they bear and the spiritual warfare they face (Eph. 6:18-19).

Let us thank God that He has provided faithful and gifted men through the work of the Spirit to serve as under-shepherds for the “Great Shepherd of the sheep,” our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray that:

• Our pastors would continue to grow in the fear of the Lord and serve Christ with a clear conscience and humble confidence, dependent upon His grace and mercy.
  
  
• They would be protected from pride and be strengthened in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-6).
  
  
• The congregation would view our elders as a divine gift and an expression of Christ’s love for His people, equipping the church for spiritual growth and service (Eph. 4:11-13).
  
  
• We would respond by submitting to their leadership so that they may serve with joy (Heb. 13:17).
  
  
• The Lord would continue to raise up men for future succession in pastoral oversight and equip them to serve the church in the preaching and teaching of the Word.
  
  
• That our pastors would be granted wisdom, discernment, and patience, and that the Lord would strengthen and equip them to faithfully fulfill the ministry He has given them in the context of Word of Grace Bible Church (2 Tim. 4:5).