Pray for church leaders. (This prayer was inspired by a dream from the Lord last night)
Lord, I hear you. You've laid on my heart to pray specifically for our current leadership in the church worldwide. Many have served up the Good News faithfully, to any who will hear. And there are also many have served well, but grown bitter through the consequences of their own choices.
You are calling to these specific ones, the ones who have a hard time hearing you right now because of a hardness that has grown in them. You want to soften these wounds so they can heal and be useful in leading more wounded ones to know you, and to become part of your kingdom. Your kingdom welcomes the wounded, the lowest of the low, but some specific practices have been rejected by the traditional church for a generation or more.
Thank you for graciously calling out to the church leaders and elders who have served you, served us. Even though there may be errors, we honor them for their service and heart for you, Lord!
They serve because they love you, and love your people! They are worthy of double honor! (1 Timothy 5:17) and you are pleased to offer a second chance to them, so they can participate in reaching the very ones they formerly rejected.
Use all those leaders who yield their hearts to you now, to throw open the doors of the church, to welcome the unwelcome, to love the rejected, to preach the gospel to all those you've chosen as your own.
I ask you to take down the barrier of fear that has separated us from those who have particular behaviors or lifestyles that are offensive to some in the church.
Haven't we ALL offended you with our sin? Yet you are faithful to forgive and cleanse us, and have not rejected any one of us.
O God, teach us to love as you love!
Prepare the way for a wonderful harvest!
Amen!
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