Personal Prayer of a Pastor for the Congregation

Personal Prayer of a Pastor for the Congregation

Father, as the pastor of __________, I approach the throne of grace on behalf of the members of __________________. I thank my God in all my remembrance of them. In every prayer of mine I always make my entreaty and petition for them all with joy (delight). [I thank my God] for their fellowship — their sympathetic co-operation and contributions and partnership — in advancing the good news (the Gospel). And I am convinced and sure of this very thing: that You have begun a good work in them and will continue until the day of Jesus Christ — right up to the time of His return — developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in them.
In the name of Jesus, it is right and appropriate for me to have this confidence and feel this way about them all, because even as they do me, I hold them in my heart as partakers and sharers — one and all with me — of grace (God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing).
Father, You are my witness and know how I long for and pursue them all with love, in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus [Himself]!
And this I pray: that their love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight — that is, that their love may [display itself in] greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment; so that they may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value — recognizing the highest and best and distinguishing the moral difference. I pray that they may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless, that — with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied — they may [approach] the day of Christ, not stumbling, nor causing others to stumble.
Father, may the membership abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing), which come through Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, to the honor and praise of God — that Your glory may be both manifested and recognized.
I commit myself to You, Father, anew and to them, for I am convinced of this: I shall remain and stay by them all to promote their progress and joy in believing, so that in me they may have abundant cause for exultation and glorifying in Christ Jesus. In the name of Jesus, they will be sure as citizens so to conduct themselves that their manner of life will be worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ.
Thank You, Father, that they are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel). They are not for a moment frightened or intimidated in anything by their opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to their enemies of [their impending] destruction; but [a sure token and evidence] to the congregation of their deliverance and salvation, and that from You, God.
The membership of __________ fills up and completes my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.
In Jesus’ name, amen.