Pray For Your Pastor
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Ephesians 6:18-20
Ephesians 6:18-20
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Read Eph.618b-20
We are to pray for every one but since it is pastor appreciation lets focus on one person today, Pastor Ryan. He needs your prayers.
3 reasons
1. He needs to be strong and courageous
1. He needs to be strong and courageous
Read Eph. 6:10-12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Similar to Joshua 1-summarize story
He needs the full armor of God-summarize
Why because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against 6:12
We must pray that he stays strong and courageous not in himself but in God who is our strength, our fortress, our hope
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Eph. 6:19 tells us why Paul needed prayer and so does your pastor
2. That the words of his mouth would be right
2. That the words of his mouth would be right
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
His job is not easy and though he is called to preach he is told. He will be judged more harshly/strictly
It is a heavy thing to before others and say thus saith the Lord
He needs prayer so his words will be right
3. That his words might carry the Gospel of Christ.
3. That his words might carry the Gospel of Christ.
Prophets of old dd two main things
He foretold and he forth told
Your pastor is like a prophet in ways he is often a spokesperson for God
He forth tells the word of God
Like the prophet Moses he is to be a good shepherd loving his people and interceding on their behalf in love and kindness.
And like the prophets his authority is not from his personal credentials but from the privilege of speaking in the name of the Lord.
-pray that he comes to the pulpit, comes to counseling, comes to comfort, to admonish, to love not with his own words, and thoughts but in the name of the Lord proclaiming the Good news.
The news of God the father maker of heaven and earth
The news of God the father maker of heaven and earth
The news of Jesus Christ, his only son conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of a virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died on the cross and was buried. The news that He rose on the third day, was witnessed by and broke bread with disciples and ascended into heaven. The news that He now sits on the right hand of God. and in him we put our faith and through Him we have atonement-the reconciliation of man and God, not by our works but by God’s Grace for God’s Glory alone.
🎥 YouTube Description
🎥 YouTube Description
Title: Pray for Your Pastor | A Pastor Appreciation Message (Ephesians 6:18–20)
In this special Pastor Appreciation message, Pastor Micah Stotler from Azle, Texas, reminds us of the vital call to pray for those who shepherd us—especially Pastor Ryan.
Drawing from Ephesians 6:18–20, this message highlights three key ways to pray for your pastor:
1️⃣ That he would be strong and courageous in the Lord.
2️⃣ That the words of his mouth would be right and true.
3️⃣ That his words would carry the Gospel of Christ with boldness and grace.
Through the examples of Joshua, Paul, James, and the prophets, we are reminded that pastors carry both a sacred calling and a heavy burden. They need the support of God’s people through faithful, consistent prayer.
🙏 Join us as we celebrate Pastor Ryan and renew our commitment to lift up our spiritual leaders.
📖 Scripture: Ephesians 6:18–20; 6:10–12; James 3:1–10
🎙 Speaker: Pastor Micah Stotler
#PastorAppreciation #PrayForYourPastor #Ephesians6 #Faith #ChurchFamily #ChristianTeaching
🗒 Listener Notes
🗒 Listener Notes
Title: Pray for Your Pastor
Speaker: Pastor Micah Stotler
Text: Ephesians 6:18–20
Introduction:
We’re called to pray for all believers—but today, on Pastor Appreciation Sunday, we’re focusing on one person who needs our prayers: Pastor Ryan.
1. Pray That He Would Be Strong and Courageous
1. Pray That He Would Be Strong and Courageous
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–12
Just as Joshua was told to “be strong and courageous,” your pastor faces spiritual battles that require God’s strength, not his own.
He must daily put on the full armor of God, standing firm against spiritual opposition.
Our prayers help strengthen him for the unseen battles he faces for the sake of the Gospel.
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” — Ephesians 6:12
Pray that Pastor Ryan remains courageous, not through personal willpower, but through the strength of the Lord, who is his refuge and fortress.
2. Pray That His Words Would Be Right
2. Pray That His Words Would Be Right
Scripture: James 3:1–10
Scripture warns that “teachers will be judged more strictly.”
The calling to preach God’s Word is both a great honor and a heavy responsibility.
Pray that Pastor Ryan’s words would be guided by truth, love, and the Holy Spirit, that every sermon, counsel, and encouragement reflects God’s wisdom.
“It is a weighty thing to stand before others and say, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’”
3. Pray That His Words Would Carry the Gospel of Christ
3. Pray That His Words Would Carry the Gospel of Christ
Like the prophets of old, your pastor speaks forth God’s Word.
He is called not to speak his own thoughts, but to declare the Good News—that Jesus Christ is Lord, crucified, risen, and reigning.
Pray that his ministry remains rooted in this message: salvation by grace through faith for the glory of God alone.
“Pray also for me… that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” — Ephesians 6:19–20
Closing Reflection
Closing Reflection
Your pastor carries a sacred trust. He counsels, comforts, admonishes, and teaches in the name of the Lord.
The best way to support him isn’t just with words of thanks—it’s with faithful, daily prayer.
📖 Bible Study Companion: “Pray for Your Pastor”
📖 Bible Study Companion: “Pray for Your Pastor”
Day 1 – The Call to Pray for Leaders
Read: Ephesians 6:18–20
Paul asks for prayer that he might proclaim the Gospel boldly.
Prayer fuels spiritual endurance—for both the preacher and the people.
Reflection: How can you become more intentional in praying for your pastor’s strength and courage this week?
Day 2 – Strength in the Battle
Read: Ephesians 6:10–12; Joshua 1:6–9
God’s command to Joshua—to be strong and courageous—applies to every spiritual leader facing challenges.
The armor of God reminds us that ministry is spiritual warfare.
Reflection: Which “piece of armor” do you most need to put on daily? How can you pray the same for your pastor?
Day 3 – The Weight of Words
Read: James 3:1–10
Words have power—to build up or tear down, to bring truth or confusion.
Pastors face the daily responsibility of speaking God’s truth in love.
Reflection: How can you encourage your pastor’s ministry of words this week (e.g., a note, prayer, or word of gratitude)?
Day 4 – The Gospel Message
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:18–21; Romans 1:16
The pastor’s message is ultimately about reconciliation—God making peace with us through Christ.
The Gospel remains the center of all true ministry.
Reflection: How can your life echo the same Gospel your pastor preaches?
