The Lord had me praying for pastors last night. He specifically had me pray for those with children still at home, those with disease or with a spouse with a disease, and those who are retired. These three groups of pastors have special challenges. Getting children ready for church can be very difficult. It can be hard on a pastor's spouse who in many cases is basically a single parent when getting ready for church. There also are the pressures on a pastor's family to seem 'perfect' with their family living in a 'fish bowl' where people are always watching them. Many times pastor's kids rebel against such a life. The second group He had me pray for is those with disease or with spouses with disease. Dealing with a chronic illness or a terminal disease is hard enough but when you put that into a pastor's life for themselves or spouse it is extra hard. Many times they do not have a pastor to turn to for counsel. The time constraints of an illness or disease can be taxing on an already overloaded schedule. Another issue pastor's have is 'practicing what they preach' with themselves and spouse. It is much easier to encourage someone else than yourselves. I have seen many pastors who don't want to admit to their congregation they need help with such things as childcare, meals, etc. yet when others need assistance they are ready to give. The third group of pastors the Lord had me pray for is retired pastors. Many times retired pastors are the ones who feel they have no purpose in life. They have no congregation to love on them. There is no longer birthday, Christmas, pastor appreciation, etc. gifts. The calendar is no longer full but rather empty. Retirement can be an enjoyable time when you have the means to travel, see family, etc. But there are many retired pastors who are not in such a financial situation. Many failed to plan ahead for retirement or if they did plan ahead they were not able to financially do what was needed. All three of these groups need to remember they are not alone in life. The Lord is with them. He desires to be their strength. Jesus came to this earth for all of us. When we allow Him to work in and through us, we will find His peace. I think of the simple hymn "Emmanuel" and am blessed in knowing He is with us no matter what. All we have to do is open our hearts up to Him and allow Him in.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
His name is called Emmanuel.
God with us, revealed in us,
His name is called Emmanuel.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being with us at all time. Thank You for being our strength when we do not think we can carry on. Thank You for giving me relief from the pain last night so I could finally go to sleep. Thank You for rest during the night yet also giving me time to pray for pastors. Lord, today can be a tough day for many but I pray You will bless each one of Your servant's in a mighty way. Be the balm to the hurts and the strength when ours runs out. Most of all I pray for all pastors and their families to have You in their presence as You are always with us. I pray for a cleansing in my spirit so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You be my words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Thank You Jesus for being My Emmanuel. Amen.
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