October is Clergy Appreciation Month

Most of the time when I think about the pastors in my life, it's with consideration to how they can best serve me. Maybe you're the same way. The only problem is, if I'm thinking that way, and you're thinking that way ... well, who ministers to the ministers?

Since October has been officially designated as the month to appreciate you pastors, I figured I'd share some ways for you (and me) to do just that.

Here is an article from the Christianity Today archives entitled Eight Ways to Encourage Your Pastor. It's a good place to start. For #2 ("Pray regularly"), you might find the prayer list below useful. You'll notice it's conveniently divided into 31 topics, one for each day of October.

Let's not forget to continue blessing our pastors once October is over. We need to encourage and support these leaders every month!

31 Prayers for Christian Leaders
Pastor, I am praying that you would

1. recognize your accountability to God for each decision and act. (Colossians 1:16)
2. have wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. (James 1:5)
3. protect your loving Christian witness. (Romans 10:14)
4. be strengthened and encouraged in your faith. (Ephesians 1:17-19)
5. know your own limitations and pray, seeking the will of God (Proverbs 3:5-7, Luke 11:9-13)
6. be open to the Spirit's conviction of sin, transgression, and iniquity (Psalm 51:17)
7. heed your conscience, confess your sins, and repent (Proverbs 28:13, James 4:7-8)
8. read the Bible and attend prayer meetings and Bible studies (Psalm 119:11, Colossians 3:2)
9. value and regard the teachings of Christ (Psalm 19:7-9, John 8:31-32)
10. honor your own parents and those who have provided a spiritual legacy (Ephesians 6:2-3, I Corinthians 4:15)
11. respect authority, and practice accountability (Romans 13:1-5)
12. pay attention to godly counsel and advice (Proverbs 24:6)
13. be honest and faithful to your spouse and children (Malachi 2:15-16)
14. participate in worship, and help to those in need (Hebrews 10:22-25)
15. desire purity and avoid debauchery, perversion, and drunkenness (I Corinthians 6:9-20, Titus 2:11-13)
16. practice timeliness, reliability, and dependability (Matthew 21:28-31)
17. act honorably in financial, tax, and ethical matters (I Corinthians 6:10, I Timothy 6:8-10)
18. recognize your own needs for pastoral care and counsel (Hebrews 13:7)
19. develop and nurture godly friendships (Proverbs 17:17)
20. have generosity and a compassionate heart for the poor and needy (Psalm 112:9, Luke 10:33-37)
21. keep or seek to restore unity with other Christians (John 17:20-22)
22. use your time wisely and know true godly priorities (Ephesians 5:15-17)
23. show honesty, integrity, and loyalty (Psalm 26, Proverbs 11:3)
24. resist manipulation, pressure, and the fear of man (Proverbs 29:25, II Timothy 1:7)
25. be protected from occultism and false religions (Isaiah 2:6)
26. adhere to a godly worldview and biblical principles (Ephesians 3:9-10)
27. encouraging families toward divine order and morality (Ephesians 5:22-6:4)
28. work to discount false teachings and foolish divisions in the Church (I Timothy 1:3-4)
29. be willing to serve and cooperate with humility and meekness (John 13:14, Titus 3:1-2)
30. accept valuable instruction and correction (Job 22:22, Proverbs 10:17)
31. be prepared to give account to Almighty God (James 3:1)