Shepherds for Revival

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 
– James 3:1

And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
– Jeremiah 3:15

If we want sweeping spiritual change for our nation, then we will need extraordinary vocational Christian leaders. This week let’s pray for pastors, chaplains, seminary professors, Bible college instructors, and ministers working with various kinds of Christian agencies, like Christian Union Day and Night. 

These individuals are the shepherds of God’s people, who set the direction and pace for the rest of Christians in our land (1 Peter 5:1-4). We need spiritual leaders who are living up to the high example of Christ Himself, our chief shepherd. Pray that they could say together with Paul, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). We know that no human being is perfect, so pray that they would lead the way in humility, fasting, repentance, obedience, prayerfulness, Scripture-intake, gathering others to seek God, tithing and giving generously, helping the poor, and preaching the gospel. 

Pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out many laborers for America (Luke 10:2). Pray that all those He is calling would surrender fully to His voice. Pray for great anointing of the Holy Spirit on them and their ministries. Pray for their families. Pray that they would not get discouraged and embittered. Pray that they would lead with zeal (Romans 12:8). Pray for their protection, because Satan loves to attack the shepherd in order to scatter the sheep. Pray that those under their care would honor them and submit to their leadership (1 Peter 5:5). 

Charles Spurgeon (1834-92) is known as the Prince of Preachers. His sermons were published weekly in the London Times and the New York Times. His ministry was far-reaching in his own time and lives on today. When asked why his ministry saw so much success, Spurgeon would reply, “Because my people pray for me.” Indeed, Spurgeon’s people gathered by the hundreds every Sunday morning before and during worship services to pray for him. 

May God give His church in America the same commitment to pray earnestly and unitedly for the shepherds of His people.

Father, forgive us for readily criticizing our spiritual leaders instead of devotedly praying for them. We repent. We refuse to accuse anymore. Rather, we ask You to bless them, visit them, embolden them, forgive them, restore them. Give them a fresh filling of Your Spirit. Rescue them out of the enemy’s plans against them. Set them apart and let their ministries be worthy of Your great name. Amen.

With you in Christ,
Chuck Hetzler, PhD
Director, Christian Union Day and Night