Pray for Your Preacher

Sermon Text: Ephesians 6:18b-20

1. Office of Teaching Elder

2. What does he teach?

3. Why should we pray for our pastor?
   3a - Because He commands us to do so (Rom 15:30)
   3b - Because of the strong bond of love between Christian brothers and sisters
   3c - Out of thankfulness to God for the gift of teaching we've been given

4. Four helpful point to remember:
   4a - Remember this is a commandment of God for all of us
   4b - Satan will do all he can to prevent us from praying for our pastor
   4c - The manner in which we should pray - steadfast & watchful (Col 4:2)
   4d - Remember that the pastor has a God-given right to expect our prayers

5. What should we pray for when we pray for our pastor? (2 Thess 3:1-2; Eph 6:18-20; Jonah 3:1)
   5a - What produces boldness in prayer?
   5a1) Fear of God not man
   5a2) Assurance of God's sovereignty
   5a3) Assurance of faith
   5a4) Faith in truth and power of God's word
   5a5) Unburdened conscience (Ps 24:3-4)
   5a6) Diligence in doing God's work (Heb 12:1-2)
   5a7) Concern for God & God's given duties more than self
   5a8) Protection from the very real temptations of Satan
   5b) Increased opportunities to preach (Col 4:3-4; Neh 8:1, 7-8)

6. Pray for pastor's family in general. He is part of the family too!
   Marriage, physical health & vigor, and experience joy and rest in ministry (Rom 15:30-32; Gal 5:22)