Pray For Men Of God | Features

The importance of men of God in guiding people to know Christ better can not be overstated. These dedicated individuals devote their lives to serving God and helping others grow spiritually, socially, and mentally.

Having been raised by pastors (both parents), I deeply understand the cost many pastors bear to fulfil their divine calling.

Men of God face numerous challenges and responsibilities, many of which can be overwhelming. Some of these challenges include health issues, loneliness, rejection, insults, shame, financial difficulties, a lack of support for their vision, and emotional trauma.

Often, they bury their pains, hurts, frustrations, and immediate challenges in order to bring hope and direction to countless people. Pastoral duties are not for the faint-hearted; they require total sacrifice, often involving a significant loss of family time to ensure others find fulfilment.

Growing up in a parsonage, I witnessed firsthand the psychological battles my father endured as the family’s breadwinner. There were times we became so famished that we could only rely on God for the next miracle. I remember being sent home from school for unpaid fees (unlike today’s free SHS policy). Sometimes, my mother had to sell her clothes just to pay my school fees.

We lived in uncompleted buildings, surrounded by lizards and mice, that disturbed us at night. We walked long distances to fetch water and often moved from house to house as tenants. Despite all these struggles, my mother would stand before the congregation and offer words of encouragement, hiding the challenges she had faced earlier in the day.

These experiences have therefore taught me to have a large heart for people, empathizing with them and doing what little I could with my limited resources to improve their lives. Some challenges can not even be shared here for lack of space.

This write-up, therefore, is intended to encourage men of God, especially those who feel like giving up on God, their work, and life itself.

I also aim to inspire the body of Christ to pray for and support these servants of God, particularly those in villages, remote communities, towns, and cities who sacrifice their time, energy, and resources to improve the lives of others.

Why Should We Pray and Support these Men of God?

1. They Carry Heavy Burdens: Men of God counsel people through struggles, preach the Word, and lead communities. These tasks require strength, wisdom, and patience. Our prayers uplift them, providing courage and energy to persevere.

2. Men of God Are Also Human:
Like us, they face temptations, doubts, and difficulties. Praying for them helps them remain faithful and strong in their calling. We should ask God to protect them from discouragement and guide their decisions.

3. They Face Spiritual Battles: As they work to spread the Gospel, they often encounter opposition or criticism. Prayer can help give them boldness, peace, and perseverance in such challenges.

4. We Share in Their Ministry: When we pray for and support men of God, we become part of their mission. Even if we can not do their work, our prayers and material support contribute significantly to advancing God’s kingdom. Don’t be blinded by the excesses among some men of God and deny the good ones, great opportunities in their pursuits. Break your jar, and bless their lives as well.

Let us remember to pray for men of God daily, asking God to bless them with strength, wisdom, protection, and encouragement. Their role is crucial, and our prayers can help them continue their mission with faith and joy.

The writer is an academic, leadership consultant, author, and the lead pastor of Wordsprings City Church, Kumasi.