Among great opportunities leaders also have tremendous responsibilities and face many challenges as they endeavor to fulfill the call, purpose, and Biblical mandate of God, and it is vital that we consistently intercede for those who lead us. When Moses lowered his hands in the battle due to fatigue, Aaron and Hur interceded by holding up his hands, and the enemy was defeated (Exodus 17:8-13). This Biblical account is a powerful allegory of the role that intercessors play in the success of a ministry. Likewise, intercessors can stand in the gap and help carry the burden by holding up the hands of those who lead the fight in the spiritual battles of the church, and we can move forward to victory!
"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith" (II Thessalonians) 3:1-2. One of a minister's primary responsibilities is to deliver the messages that God has given, and prayer provides a covering from the attack of the enemy and other hindrances that would attempt to prohibit the Word from coming forth. The Apostle Paul requested prayer so that the message he was carrying would have free course (go forth unhindered) in God's full power and anointing. Paul also recognized that the enemy would try to impede progress directly through the work of wickedness and evil men, as he often faced opposition. Likewise, it is so for all ministers who have a message(s) that God has given to relay. Earlier, Paul even expressed "Brethren, pray for us" in I Thessalonians 5:25. If the apostle Paul needed prayer, then surely all ministers today need it too! An example of Satan's attempt to hinder God's chosen ones also is found in Daniel 10:12-13. Such are primary reasons why all of our ministers on every level need consistent effectual intercessory prayer.
When we continually pray for ministers and leaders (those we are under authority to) there is a greater opening of the glory and power of God to become resident in their lives and ministries! The anointing flows from the top all the way down (Psalm 133:2), from leadership to laity, from the pulpit to the pew. So when saints and others pray for leaders and ministers, they too become recipients of the blessings of God, and the entire church body is edified!
Ministers often work under stress, time pressures, deadlines, phone calls, emergencies, and always the unexpected. That is why it is vital that their ministry is supported faithfully and fervently by intercessory prayer. Sometimes ministers, especially pastors, suffer from the unrealistic expectations of some congregants and others, and society as a whole, and placed on a spiritual pedestal, though not by choice. Ministers have a greater level of accountability due to their position of trust and influence and are greater targeted by evil spiritual forces due to their position of authority and power within the Church. Intercession causes a positive change in ministry. For a majority of ministers in a test group who were assigned intercessors to pray for them for over a one-year period, a recent study showed enhanced effectiveness in the use of their spiritual gifts; a greater response to their ministry; increased discernment and wisdom from God; progressed wholeness in Christ; improved attitudes; greater display of the fruit of the Spirit; better personal prayer lives; and heightened leadership skills, etc. Prayer makes a difference! We must cover the entire ministry in prayer! All these reasons and more are why we should pray for the ministry! Now knowing this, like never before will you pray for the ministry?
Flo Shaw
International Coordinator
World Network of Prayer
A famous Christian leader, Charles Spurgeon, was once asked the secret of his success. He humbly replied, "My people pray for me." Prayer for leadership is essential! Among great opportunities leaders also have tremendous responsibilities and face many challenges as they endeavor to fulfill the call, purpose, and Biblical mandate of God, and it is vital that we consistently intercede for those who lead us (I Timothy 2:1-3). Prayer makes a difference!
Pray for the UPCI Executive Board:
David K. Bernard
Carlton L. Coon Sr.
C. Patton Williams
Stan O. Gleason
Clifford Barnett
David Elms
Paul D. Mooney
Bryan Parkey
Raymond Woodward
Jerry Jones
Anthony Mangun
Stephen Willeford
Bruce A. Howell
Rick Keyes
David McDonald
...and also for the entire UPCI General Board:
Pray for God to continually impart His divine knowledge, understanding, wisdom, favor, counsel, direction, anointing, and ability, and that each Board leader performs optimally and demonstrates excellence in all of their work as they build in His kingdom.
Pray that God's vision would be cast effectively by our leaders and those who He has commissioned would be greatly empowered to carry out the vision and His agenda.
Pray for renewed strength and divine health-physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc, for our leaders. Pray for their overall well-being, as well as for their families. Pray that God would meet all existing needs as according to His divine will.
Pray that the masses worldwide would greater commit to pray for our church leaders.
Pray for our leaders in areas regarding personal needs; provisions; finances; comfort; encouragement; protection; equipping; ministry; peace; blessings; endurance in negating circumstances and trials; any opposition contrary to God's plan; victory in the midst of the attack of the enemy; the will of God...and the list goes on (Intercede in the Spirit).
Additionally pray for:
The Executive Board Meeting/General Board Meeting that are scheduled to convene March 5 - 8, 2012 at World Evangelism Centerin St. Louis, MO
Pray for the success of these meetings and that God would direct Board members in all decision making and business affairs. Overall, pray for the best avenues and outcomes.
Pray that the Lord will continue to grant the finances, provisions, and resources necessary to move forward and to accomplish His work.
Pray for a supernatural outpouring, and that God would greatly anoint and use our Board leadership to take our organization to a higher level that would lead to phenomenal revival, growth, and restorationworldwide. Pray Spirit-led prayers as you yield to the Spirit of God to intercede for what He desires to accomplish in the UPCI!
Flo Shaw
International Coordinator
World Network of Prayer
PRAYER REQUESTS:
12:27:11
Pray for our first service on Jan 8th with Bro. Arthur Shilts. Pray that every person who sees our ads will be drawn by His Spirit to come learn about Jesus. Pray that we come in contact with people who hungry for Jesus and want to know more of Him and will respond to our invitations. Pray that every person who sees our banner will be curious and come to see what JESUS IS DOING! Keep LIFTING HIM UP! Pray they be drawn to HIM. Pray for a move of His Spirit in EACH AND EVERY service. Pray that we can be an example to a lost and dying world and we can show them the way. Pray for Home Bible Studies to open continually.
12.12.11 pray for pastors surgery on dec. 14 - see pastor communique on this blog
12.11.12 Please pray for Stan Holts eye. pray for sis angie to be healed in her lungs.
11.14.11 We received a prayer request for Bro. Rick Holcomb. Pray for his lungs. Thank you
11.11.11 Please pray for my niece, Stacey and her son. She is having a C-section today. Thank you
11.11.11 Please pray for BILL - he is very sick with cancer.
11:11:11 Please Pray for baby EASTON he was born premature.
From Sharon Vanderberg - Easton's heart rate is solid, blood pressure is good, oxygen levels continue to go low but not high like in days past. He urinated a lot yesterday afternoon, did not know know pee could make me so happy. The infectious disease department was called in to look at all the meds and the different situations that have occurred to get an outsider perspective. No news back on that yet. We are not out of the woods yet, the lungs looked worse yesterday than the day before. Keep the prayers coming.Thank you
11.10.11
We regret to report the passing of former General Superintendent, Bishop Kenneth F. Haney. Brother Haney was a leader of great vision, inspiration, and faith. We will miss him greatly. Please keep Sister Haney, the family, and the church in your prayers.Thank you.
David K. Bernard, General Superintendent
Without faith it is impossible to please God. We ask God and believe He will answer when we pray according to His will.
Leave prayer requests at UPinPC@hotmail.com
Our church has a monthly prayer and fasting schedule to cover every area of ministry. We take special requests.
Prayer Hotline for emergencies is 816.500.3784
