1 Sam 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Certainly, sin presents itself in many ways. In fact, it appears as though the limits to sin are only set by the extent of man’s imagination and willingness to do so. In the life of a minister, there seems to be a sin which falls outside of the category of the common Christian. It is something that appears applicable to the leader exclusively, or at least foremost. Could the greatest sin of a minister be this? Could it be the lack of prayer for the sheep?
How much damage in a persons life could be averted, or even prevented, if the ministry were faithful in praying for others? Perhaps unrealized potential, unseen direction, and unheld blessings were the result of the ministry’s lack of prayer? Could it be that this sin in the life of the minister is on par with, or even worse than, that of adultery or murder or hatred?
For a pastor to neglect the prayer for his people, it is a sin. Sin against the Lord!
Perhaps we could heed the timeless warning of Samuel to all those throughout time who minister? Or the echoing words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing”? Perhaps. Prior to his harrowing crucifixion by his own creation, even Jesus Christ, God in flesh, prayed for us.
Would to God that our sleep would be troubled, and our hearts be moved for the absolute dependence our flocks have on their leaders to pray.
Seed thought by Kenneth McClary