Read: Philippians 1:18-21
I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. (vv. 18-19)
C. S. Lewis once wrote: “The ultimate purpose of God in all his work is to increase joy.” In this section of Scripture, Paul declares that no matter what happens to him, no one will steal his joy. He says emphatically, “I will rejoice.” Those words indicate a decision of the will. Paul didn’t stumble into joy or naturally lean that way. He chose to adopt a posture of joy even while facing adversity.
And he was sure about keeping his joy because he knew two things. First, the Christians in the church were praying for him, and second, the living presence of Jesus Christ was constantly being supplied to him by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s capacity to view his very difficult circumstances with joy depended on the sustaining influence of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of Christians.
Do you pray for your ministers? Even if your pastor is empowered, anointed, and filled with the Holy Spirit, he or she still needs you to pray. What should you pray for? Pray that they will have joy! Pray that they will sense and experience the divine power of the Holy Spirit in new and fresh ways. Pray that Christ will be at the center of their life and message. Pray that they will keep on going and not allow negative experiences or people to distract them or discourage them.
As you pray, ask God to help you to pray for your pastor every day.
About the Author
David Walls is a pastor and writer who has served in ministry for more than 40 years.
