The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 20:18 (HCSB)
18 Finalize plans with counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 25:5 (HCSB)
5 Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Romans 15:30-33 (HCSB)
30 Now I appeal to you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf.
31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that the gift I am bringing to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 and that, by God's will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you.
33 The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.
My observation:
Paul comes to the end of his letter, and he still has the ministry that God has given him at the center of his heart.
Notice that Paul was not hesitant about asking others to pray for him, and for his ministry. Paul's request was not outside of the will of God. He just wanted God's will to be done.
Also notice the motivational appeal for the prayer he requested for his ministry. If this does not motivate us to pray; all I can say is, "Lord, help us".
Romans 15:30 (AMP)
30 I appeal to you [I entreat you], brethren, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love [given by] the Spirit, to unite with me in earnest wrestling in prayer to God in my behalf.
Let these two possessions; the Lord, and love, be the drivers that motivate you to pray for others; especially for your pastor and the leadership in your church. Notice that the love is the love that the Holy Spirit gives you as a believer in Christ. God is so good.
Romans 5:5 (AMP)
5 Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, if there was ever a time your people needed to pray, surely the time is now.
Father, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love given to us by the Holy Spirit, I ask that you arouse us to pray for one another in these trying times. In Jesus name, Amen.
Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB)
18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
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Psalm 130:3-4 (HCSB)
3 Yahweh, if You considered sins, Lord, who could stand?
4 But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be revered.
Psalm 18:6 (HCSB)
6 I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.
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