Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10 AMP
All-Powerful God,
Today, we pray for pastors who are preparing sermons for their congregations tomorrow in the many worship services across this nation. We pray that they will be men and women of integrity and honor who intentionally seek Your wisdom, guidance, and spiritual direction as they prepare to preach. May their spiritual eyes be opened to the whole of Scripture, not just their favorite passages or those that support a particular point. We pray that they will study diligently and do their best to accurately handle and skillfully teach the Word of Truth. May sermon preparation be more than an intellectual exercise; may it be an opportunity to grow closer to You and become more like Jesus in their personal lives. May they prepare their hearts even as they prepare their words. I pray that they would each conduct themselves honorably, with personal integrity and moral courage, and be complete, proficient, and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I pray that pastors will not be reluctant to address the political and moral issues facing our nation because they fear offending members, losing attendance or financial support, or appearing partisan. We know that Your laws are far higher than our earthly politics, and our primary allegiance must be to You, not to any man-made political party or movement. We pray that they will preach and teach in defense of the rights of those who are unfortunate and defenseless, stand for true righteousness and justice, and speak in ways that further Your Kingdom purposes. We pray that tomorrow’s sermons will help Christians distinguish clear biblical commands from personal opinions and disagreements over policy.
We also pray that pastors will urge their congregants to pray and seek You as they consider how to vote in these midterm elections. May people understand both their civic duties and their Kingdom responsibilities to be salt and light in our nation. May they never vote for a candidate believing that the candidate or the government will somehow save them, but instead place their trust in You as Jehovah Jireh, their Provider. May every Christian desire to vote in a way that protects freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the other freedoms the Church may sometimes take for granted. May pastors encourage their people to vote according to their Scripture-formed, Holy Spirit-led, and carefully considered convictions.
I pray that pastors will not shrink from declaring to their people the whole purpose and plan of God. May they not be silenced by fear or by a desire to avoid uncomfortable truths that deserve serious examination. Instead, may they faithfully teach what You have entrusted to Your Church, guiding us to pursue justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with You, our God. May pastors remember that, as bondservants of the Lord Jesus Christ, they are not seeking to win the favor and approval of men, but of God. May the words of their mouths and the meditations of their hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, our Rock and our Redeemer.
In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him….For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (Ezra 7:6, 10 NIV)
Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold
Wonderful things from Your law. (Psalm 119:18 AMP)
If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. James 1:5. AMP
Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)
All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16–17 AMP)
For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan of God. (Acts 20:27 AMP)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight,
O Lord, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 AMP)
Open your mouth for the mute,
For the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless;
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And administer justice for the afflicted and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9 AMP)
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion),
And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]? (Micah 6:8 AMP)