Every believer should pray for the pastor or leader of their local church/assembly.

Paul coveted the prayer of the believers at Ephesus. "[Pray]", he said "...for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:19-20

Again Paul wrote by inspiration of God. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Pray for your pastor in you own private prayers, with your family, and at church. Pray for God to give him holy boldness to preach the Gospel, and that he may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, those in the world, and those in the church, as he shepherds the flock.

Pray for God to give your pastor divine wisdom and love in all things. Pray that the needs of his family are met. You commit sin by not praying for your pastor. 1 Samuel 12:23 ...God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you...

- David E. M. [copied, edited]
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Editorial note by Mary E. Stephens:  

In these perilous last days, it is ever more urgent that we pray for our pastors and elders with much fervent prayer. James 5:16 ...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. The enemy is pressing the battle more sorely against the pastors of churches since through them he can reach the whole assembly. If the devil can get the pastor to err doctrinally or to live a worldly life, then he will be more successful in getting the people of the assembly to do the same. We see a similar situation in the Old Testament in Isaiah 24:2, And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest...

Some may be tempted to say "Not my pastor, he's different." No pastor (or person) is so "different" that he cannot fall.  We are all susceptible to the enticement of the flesh. 1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

The devil also attacks pastors through the people in the church who are not walking in the Spirit. He can make tremendous trouble for the leaders of an assembly, even to the point of causing splits and schisms that ought not to be there. This can happen in particular when people become bitter or prideful. Both of these destructive sins can be used by Satan to turn people against the word of God, each other, and the leaders of a church. We are warned in Hebrews 12:14-15, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; And in Proverbs 13:10, Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Stand fast in the Lord against bitterness or pride in yourself or others. Don't listen to tale bearing or slander, and consider every legitimate problem carefully and prayerfully in light of God's word before you act or speak to others.

Growing up in a pastor's home, I have seen first hand the destruction and devastation that people can cause when, instead of praying for the pastor and leadership, they react in a spirit of bitterness and pride, ripping and tearing at one another and the pastor. This doesn't help anyone, and can be a powerful tool of the adversary for evil. Galatians 5:14-16 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

By the way, occasionally a pastor is honestly wrong. He isn't trying to make a mess of things, and he isn't trying to ruin people's lives. He needs your prayer for wisdom and good understanding. Pastors are only men. They can make mistakes. But, tearing down a good man when he's making one mistake is hardly the way to follow Galatians 5:14-16. Someone may need to point some things out to him, but there's a pretty fair chance that in most instances that someone isn't going to be you, especially if you're convinced that it is. Just sayin'... :-)

Conclusion

A Christian working for a power company was sent out to a remote desert place to make a repair for some customers. The place and people struck him odd and he suspected that they were into some kind of witchcraft. In the course of his work he managed to wander around a bit to see what he could see. He found a worship room. There was an altar with a bulletin board above it. Imagine his shock upon examining the board to discover the names of pastors from a fair sized area of Arizona! If you're not praying for your pastor, someone else may be, and not in a good way.

Let's lift up the men God has called to this work of ministry before the throne of grace, that they may find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places...18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

graphics by Mary E. Stephens
updated 2021
CA