I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. Eph. 3:7-9 (NIV)
Dear heavenly Father, we thank you today for those who preach the gospel to us, and even more so, for the gospel you’ve given them to preach. “Boundless riches” almost seems like an understatement, when we consider every good thing you have done for us, and given us in Jesus.
Our guilt is gone and our shame is shattered; we’re rooted in your love and standing in your grace; we’re clothed in Christ’s righteousness and rest in your forgiveness; we’ve been sealed by your Spirit and made your beloved children; we have a living hope now and a glorious future forever. Hallelujah, many times over!
Now, Father, for those who preach this incomparable good news to us. May the gospel stay ever fresh and powerful in their hearts. May your love for them be 1000 times more compelling than the applause of their friends, and 10,000 times more impactful than the criticisms of congregants and the discontent of malcontents.
Grant them humility and joy appropriate to their calling, and kindness and boldness essential for their preaching. May they tremble at your Word and boast in your Son. Keep them from taking credit on the days when “everything works,” and keep them from self-pity on the days when their thoughts are scrambled and their words are halting.
Father, help our pastors love Jesus’ sheep more than they love their own preaching. Protect them in temptation and from the evil one. Grant them gospel sanity and quick repentances, a trustworthy gospel posse and seasoned wise mentors. And keep us faithful in our prayers for them and consistent in our encouragement of them. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ exalted and loving name.