Leading God,
Thank you for the men and women you have called to be leaders in your Church. Thank you for gifting them in a myriad of different ways, but all with one purpose – to proclaim the Good News and bring your Kingdom to earth. Thank you that you have sent them to proclaim faith and to teach truth so that your Church can impact the World. We pray today for these church leaders. We pray that they will recognize the importance and gravity of their role and, therefore, lead a blameless life, living wisely and justly, and loving what is good. May they each have a strong belief in the trustworthy message you have taught them, and be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. May they be examples of integrity, good works, and good teaching to those around them. Where needed, cause them to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures so they can live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to you. Give them courage to boldly proclaim the Word of Truth in a world that doesn’t always want to hear Truth. May we all look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the full glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. In his name we pray, Amen.
I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. 3 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.
4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized.
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
(from Titus 1 & 2 NLT)