Encourage Your Servants

Scotty Smith post:  A Prayer for Weary Servants of the Gospel

     But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:1-3 ESV

     Dear Lord Jesus, you’ve stirring my heart today to pray for weary men and women serving in the ministry of the gospel. It seems like a week does not go by without my hearing of another ministry crisis, casualty or corpse. Before your throne of grace, we bring to you missionaries, pastors, elders, counselors—a wide range of friends you’ve called and gifted to share the gospel of your grace.
     Many of them are living Jonah’s story. In their heads they still know you to be a God who is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. But in their hearts, they are drained and angry; disconnected and disillusioned; and some, like Jonah, aren’t sure they want many more days in this world. Have mercy, on them, Lord, have great mercy today.
     Jesus, you know all the issues. You know what’s under the anger; what’s compounding the contempt; and what’s fueling the flight. Meet these dear servants of your right where they are. I pray for their spouses and children as well, for sometimes it’s the family members who suffer ministry pangs the most.
     Comfort them with your endless mercies and fresh grace. Grant them a renewed perspective of eternity, so they will know their labors in you are never in vain. Rekindle hope in their hurting hearts. Where needed, may your kindness drive them to appropriate repentance. Provide the right medical help, a sabbatical, or even an intervention team, if necessary. Refresh them by the power of the gospel, for the glory of your name.
     Until you return, Jesus, Satan will continue to mount an all out assault against you by attacking your Bride—especially those called to nourish and prepare your church for the great Wedding Day. He knows he’s lost us for eternity, so he will do anything and everything within his power to bring havoc, heartache and hell. Use us, however you choose, to encourage your servants, and all the more as we see that great Day approaching. We pray, in your holy and loving name.