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Feb 13, 2012 David Woods
rated it
it was amazing An incredible guide to daily time with the Lord. Includes prayers, numbers of great quotes/passages from spiritual giants over the last 2,000 years, themed time in scripture, etc. So many good nuggets in here. Introduced me to many great authors, also a great format for prayer, scripture, journaling, solitude, etc. Only took me 1 1/2 years to get through, there are 52 weeks laid out, if I didn’t get to read most days of the week, I’d do that week over. If you are looking for some structure to yo An incredible guide to daily time with the Lord. Includes prayers, numbers of great quotes/passages from spiritual giants over the last 2,000 years, themed time in scripture, etc. So many good nuggets in here. Introduced me to many great authors, also a great format for prayer, scripture, journaling, solitude, etc. Only took me 1 1/2 years to get through, there are 52 weeks laid out, if I didn’t get to read most days of the week, I’d do that week over. If you are looking for some structure to your time w/ the Lord, I highly recommend! If you are interested in discovering great Christian thinkers/authors/philosophers, also recommend. …more I learned of this book in 1988 from my pastor at the time, Rev. James A. Harnish, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Orlando, FL. I have enjoyed this lectionary-based devotional along with the companion volumes, A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God and A Guide to Prayer for All Gods People ever since. Although I have tried other devotionals, I find myself coming back to these three volumes which contain 52 chapters revolving around the theme of the lectionary readings for each week for each c I learned of this book in 1988 from my pastor at the time, Rev. James A. Harnish, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Orlando, FL. I have enjoyed this lectionary-based devotional along with the companion volumes, A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God and A Guide to Prayer for All Gods People ever since. Although I have tried other devotionals, I find myself coming back to these three volumes which contain 52 chapters revolving around the theme of the lectionary readings for each week for each cycle: A, B, and C. Each weekly chapter also contains daily scriptures and readings from classic and modern Christian literature plus an opening prayer, psalm, hymn, and closing prayer to be read throughout the week, allowing the reader to immerse him/herself into the week’s topic. So many devotionals today tell you how to think. These books invite the reader to sit at the feet of Christ himself. …more Mar 15, 2015 Darryl
rated it
it was amazing A solid book for those who prefer to actually read the Bible rather than read about it. This devotional guide provides planned daily readings, psalm readings, outside “readings for reflection” an invocation and benediction. Fifty six weeks of materials and twelve retreats.
This is much different than picking up a book by Max Lucado or Chuck Swindoll in that it provides an outline of texts to read each day of the week rather than a “chapter a day” meditation filled with the author’s insights. Rueb
A solid book for those who prefer to actually read the Bible rather than read about it. This devotional guide provides planned daily readings, psalm readings, outside “readings for reflection” an invocation and benediction. Fifty six weeks of materials and twelve retreats.
This is much different than picking up a book by Max Lucado or Chuck Swindoll in that it provides an outline of texts to read each day of the week rather than a “chapter a day” meditation filled with the author’s insights. Rueben Job challenges you to read and think on the texts themselves. While readings for reflection are provided, they are only excerpts from various writers (St. Teresa of Avila, Walter Bruggeman, Malcolm Muggeridge, Henri Nouwen, et al) that are meant to engage your contemplation.
…more I truly love this book. Each week there is a Psalm, a set of readings, a listing of the Revised Common Lectionary passages, an outline for devotional, a hymn, and select readings from people like Henri Nowen and many others. I enjoy each week’s selections and also the way it helps guide the prayer. It has been an immense help for me. There are also guided retreats, and I would like to do one of those soon. If you are not a Minister (or other servant) I still think you would gain a lot from it. T I truly love this book. Each week there is a Psalm, a set of readings, a listing of the Revised Common Lectionary passages, an outline for devotional, a hymn, and select readings from people like Henri Nowen and many others. I enjoy each week’s selections and also the way it helps guide the prayer. It has been an immense help for me. There are also guided retreats, and I would like to do one of those soon. If you are not a Minister (or other servant) I still think you would gain a lot from it. There is, however, a Guide to Prayer for those who are not in leadership. Excellent in every way! Wish I had found it many years ago. …more A functional devotional for ministers. Each day has a great opening prayer, then a scripture reading that seems to have very little rhyme or reason; A Psalm for the week; a set of eight or nine readings from various authors like George MacDonald, Henri Nouwen, Theresa Avila, Gregory of Nyssa, Charles de Foucald and many others; space for silent and written, reflection; A hymn for the week; and a benediction. There are also twelve monthly retreat models, maybe something a covenant group could use A functional devotional for ministers. Each day has a great opening prayer, then a scripture reading that seems to have very little rhyme or reason; A Psalm for the week; a set of eight or nine readings from various authors like George MacDonald, Henri Nouwen, Theresa Avila, Gregory of Nyssa, Charles de Foucald and many others; space for silent and written, reflection; A hymn for the week; and a benediction. There are also twelve monthly retreat models, maybe something a covenant group could use to lay the foundation to a season of communal prayer.
The goal of this work appears to be to facilitate the practice of daily prayer, meditation, lectio divina, and communion with God by forming and shaping the habit of Scripture reading and prayer for the minister. One of the clear benefits of a minister employing this material is that none of it is following the lectionary, or lectio continua, and therefore is not for sermon preparation or other utilitarian approaches. In other words, this book is simply for soul-care. If you’re looking for a tool to use to use for your own personal maintenance, then I recommend “Guide to Prayer: For Ministers and Other Servants.”
…more This is a solid devotional. I like the fact that it is not lectionary related, so it’s use has nothing to do with sermon prep and everything to do with relationship with God. As a pastor I find it easy to overlook that in my devotional time, believe it or not. The language is kind of old, and the scholars and theologians quoted don’t represent a very broad spectrum of thinkers, but what’s there is good. There have been seasons in my life where this is been a wonderful devotional for me, and othe This is a solid devotional. I like the fact that it is not lectionary related, so it’s use has nothing to do with sermon prep and everything to do with relationship with God. As a pastor I find it easy to overlook that in my devotional time, believe it or not. The language is kind of old, and the scholars and theologians quoted don’t represent a very broad spectrum of thinkers, but what’s there is good. There have been seasons in my life where this is been a wonderful devotional for me, and others where it simply didn’t fit. …more Aug 14, 2010 Mark
rated it
it was amazing
Over the years I have tried a number of devotionals. Most seems either too simplistic or to ethereal. I have found A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants to be refreshing and challenging at the same time. Even though I have read through each of the chapters several times, they continue to be fresh and challenging. I have lost count of how many copies of this book I have given out. Nearly everyone has loved it as much as I, often gifting this book to others.
Feb 28, 2014 Jessieirwin
rated it
it was amazing
Shawchuck and Job have created and presented what I deem as my favorite devotion series. I adore how each week is devoted in an organized way which is aligned with the liturgical calendar. Having additional author quotes, a weekly hymn, Old and New Testament readings. Exquisite depth and strength is here.
Dec 20, 2011 Amy
rated it
it was amazing
One of the best devotionals that follows the liturgical year. I reflect on it often, and recommend it to many clients and friends. It brings me into an attitude of worship. Also has a section on private retreats and devotionals for the individual who wants to seek god in such a way.
I’m always reading this book. I use it for guided prayer, devotions, and scripture reading. It receives the highest marks from me. I do not always find myself agreeing with the authors that are quoted, but are we supposed to always agree with everything we read?
Jul 02, 2014 Terry
rated it
it was amazing
This has long been my daily devotional guide each morning. I’ve used it for 15 years now and it’s still as fresh as the first day I began. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Jun 14, 2009 Beth
rated it
really liked it
THis is one of the best – if not the best devotional book I’ve ever owned. I have had it since the early 90s and have used it at different times since.
Jan 14, 2013 Rick Edwards
rated it
really liked it
I found this guide extremely helpful at a very difficult time in my life. I recommend it–it could be right for you, too.
A tremendous guide to daily devotions and prayer for people serving in the church or in ministry. It is the only devotional you will ever need!
Highly recommended to all clergy!
Excellent Year Long Devotional.
Embracing the ancient with the future!
www.goodreads.com
Pastoral ministry is a business unlike any other. It is a dangerous business. A sacred business. A business where the souls of people are at stake.
I was a pastor for many years, so I have a feel for the perils and pleasures of ministry. It’s very hard, supremely rewarding work.
Gardiner Spring said:
It is at a fearful expense that ministers are ever allowed to enter the pulpit without being preceded, accompanied, and followed by the earnest prayers of the churches. It is no marvel that the pulpit is so powerless, and ministers so often disheartened when there are so few to hold up their hands…When the churches cease to pray for ministers, ministers will no longer be a blessing to the churches.
In light of the challenges of ministry, here are 8 prayers every church member should pray for their pastor(s) on a regular basis.
Table of contents
#1 – For Protection From Satan
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
If Satan can take down a shepherd of God’s people, the odds are much higher that God’s people will scatter. That they’ll become bitter and disenfranchised. They will question everything they’ve ever been taught by that pastor. Satan targets pastors because the damage is exponential if they fall. Pray for your pastor that he would be kept safe from Satan.
Father, please protect my pastor from the attacks of Satan. Give him the strength to endure temptation and stand firm against the accusations Satan loves to whisper in his ear. Help him stand firm in your service, always fighting for the faith and for his people.
#2 – For Protection Against His Own Sinful Heart
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:14-15)
Pastors don’t fall because one day, out of the blue, they decide to dive headlong into sin. The slide into sin happens slowly, over time, in small increments, as the pastor believes the lies presented to him by his flesh. Pray for your pastor that he would be on guard against the lies of sin. Pray that he would have a proper fear of God.
Father, please protect my pastor from the deceitfulness of sin that we all are so prone to. Guard him from sin. Keep his conscience tender and fresh. Keep him close to you and close to your word.
Helpful Resource:
#3 – For Deep Spiritual Encouragement
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12)
Pastoral ministry can be brutal, discouraging work. Pastors find themselves in the midst of terrible situations on a regular basis – divorce, death, apostasy, and much more. It’s also challenging because they don’t see progress in the sense that other jobs do. Christians are always in progress. Because of this, discouragement and depression can be a regular companion of the minister. Pray for your pastor to be encouraged.
Father, please encourage my pastor by the power of your Spirit. Let his soul be refreshed with the love of Christ. Let him have faith for the future. Help him to keep pressing forward even when the way is littered with landmines. Let him be refreshed by the fact that your grace is sufficient for him.
#4 – For Wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)
Many elements of pastoral ministry are not black and white. A husband and wife are in serious conflict, and the husband has one story while the wife has another. A church member needs financial support but has a history of mismanaged finances. A young man struggles with same-sex attraction while still wanting to follow Jesus. Pastors need God’s wisdom to navigate these gray areas.
Father, please give my pastor your wisdom. Help him know the way to go even when the way is not clear. Give him discernment to know good from evil, even when evil is dressed as good. Help him apply your word to even the most confusing situations.
Helpful Resource:
#5 – For Doctrinal Faithfulness
By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:14).
Pastors can be tempted to modify or even abandon biblical doctrines for a variety of reasons. Cultural pressures, vocal church members, even legal actions can press hard upon pastors, making them feel that the only way out is to give up the clear teaching of Scripture. They need God’s grace to stay faithful to the good deposit of God’s word.
Father, I pray for my pastor that you would help him hold fast to Scripture, even when everyone else tells him to let go. Help him stand on your word and only your word. Protect him from the temptation to abandon the precious truths laid out in Scripture.
#6 – For A Healthy Body
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Ministry can take a tremendous toll on a pastor’s body. Long nights at the hospital, high-stress situations, and ever-present discouragement can quickly lead to burnout and body betrayal. Not only do pastor’s need spiritual strength, they need physical strength as well. Pray for your pastor that he would be sustained in body and mind.
Father, please give my pastoral supernatural strength. Protect him from sickness and disease. Give him your energy to keep serving faithfully. Help him to find periods of rest and recovery. Guide him to still waters.
#7 – For A Strong Marriage and Family
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church (1 Timothy 3:2-6)
Church history is littered with the skeletons of pastors whose marriages and families fell apart under the strain of pastoral ministry. And as 1 Timothy states, if a pastor can’t manage his family, how can he manage the church of God? Satan loves to sabotage a pastor’s family, and your pastor needs prayer that God will give him a healthy marriage and family.
Father, please give my pastor a supernaturally healthy marriage. Strengthen the bonds between him and his wife. Encourage them both in ministry. Give both of them wisdom to manage their family and to keep you at the center, not ministry.
#8 – For Meaningful Friendships
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
Pastoral ministry can be surprisingly lonely. Something about being in a position of leadership isolates the man. People look to him to be a teacher and leader, not be their close friend. Pastors need close friends who will encourage them, hold them accountable, and push them toward Christ.
Father, please give my pastor true, deep, sustaining friendships. Give him friends who stick closer than brothers. Who uphold him when he’s weary. Who help carry his burdens.
Helpful Resource:
Sustained By Prayer
In some ways, pastors are sustained by the prayers of their people. Obviously, God is the one who ultimately sustains pastors, but one of his primary means is through the prayers of pastors.
When it comes to why you should pray for your pastor, take the words of Charles Spurgeon to heart:
No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me.
Do your pastor a true kindness today. Pray for your pastor.
theblazingcenter.com
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Praying For Your Pastor is very important. They are serving God and the attacks of the enemy are non ceasing. They must be covered in prayer on a daily basis.
This prayer can be personalized by saying his name instead of the word pastor. If you have a reverend or father as they do in the Catholic church, then you can use those words instead of pastor. Or you can prayer for all pastors.
Praying For Pastors
Ps 31:23……….Father, I thank You that our pastors are faithful,
Ps 31:23……….and that You preserve them.
Prov 28:20……..That they abound with blessings,
Gal 6:9………….and do not grow weary in well doing.
Phil 1:6………….That You who began a good work in them will perfect it.
Eph 2:10………..They are Your workmanship created in Christ Jesus,
Heb 13:21………and equipped in every good thing to do Your will.
Heb 13:21……….Work in them that which is well-pleasing in Your sight.
2Cor 9:8…………Let all grace abound toward them, having sufficiency in all things,
2Cor 9:8………..and an abundance for every good work.
2Cor 9:6………..Because they have sowed bountifully, they will reap bountifully,
1Cor 3:6………..and whether they plant or water, Father, You give the increase.
2Cor 2:14……….I pray that they continually triumph in Christ,
2Cor 2:14……….diffusing the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
Deut 28:2……….That all blessings come upon them and overtake them,
Deut 28:2……….because they obey the voice of their God.
Ps 32:8………….Instruct them and teach them in the way they should go;
1Cor 2:10……….reveal the deeper things of God to them by Your Spirit.
2Tim 2:21……….Let them be vessels of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master,
2Tim 2:21……….prepared for every good work.
1Pet 5:2………..Shepherding the flock willingly, eagerly, and being an example to them.
1Cor 2:4………..Their speech and preaching is in demonstration of the Spirit and power.
2Tim 4:2………..And they are instant in season and out of season to preach the Word.
Josh 1:3…………Every place the soles of their feet tread upon has been given to them.
Deut 31:6……….They are strong and of good courage for You, Lord, go with them.
Ps 27:14………..They wait on You, and You strengthen them in their heart.
Titus 1:5…………Help them set in order things that are lacking,
Titus 1:5…………and appoint elders in every city.
2Cor 10:4………..I tear down the strongholds over the pulpit.
Ex 17:11…………I lift up our pastors and cover them
Heb 12:24……….with the blood of Jesus.
Deut 28………….Sickness and disease shall in no way come near them,
Gal 3:13…………for they are redeemed from the curse of the law.
Isa 54:17………..I say that no weapon formed against them will prosper,
Isa 54:17………..and every tongue rising against them shall be shown to be in the wrong.
Cor 12:11……….Father, let the gifts and anointings on their lives come forth.
Luke 1:45……….Birth the things that You have spoken to them in their hearts,
Acts 6:4…………as they continually give themselves to prayer
Acts 6:4…………and the ministry of the Word.
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Here’s a critical truth for Christ-followers: if we’re alive, it’s for the purpose of fruitful labor (Philippians 1:22).
In a word, we’re here for work.
When we offer Him our five-loaves-and-two-fish worth of effort, He multiplies it in ways we can’t even imagine.
The thing is, all too often I distort this truth by forgetting that the work doesn’t start with me, and it’s not accomplished by my own strength.
God is the One who calls me, and He is the One – the only One – who can equip me.
So whether your ministry is in your church or your community, will you join me in praying the Scriptures over your service to the Lord?
Prayers for Ministry
Pray that all that you do in your ministry would be done in love (I Corinthians 16:14). Acknowledge to the Lord that any other motive will profit you nothing (I Corinthians 13:1-3), and ask Him to keep your purpose pure.
Agree with God that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, including your area of ministry, so that in all things He might have preeminence (Colossians 1:17-18). Share with Him that you want Him to be preeminent in your ministry.
Ask the Lord to help you work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. Confess to God that you are serving the Lord Christ with the goal of pleasing Him, and not other people (Colossians 3:23-24).
Claim God’s promise that as you wait for the Lord you will renew your strength, mounting up with wings like eagles, running and not growing weary, walking without becoming faint (Isaiah 40:31).
Thank God for the example of Jesus Christ, who came to earth not to be served, but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Pray that you would be willing to sacrifice whatever God asks, in order to serve Him well through your ministry.
Pray that God’s grace would equip you to let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Ask Him to keep you from serving with the purpose of bringing glory to yourself.
Ask for God’s grace to help you fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart, ever remembering what great things He has done for you (I Samuel 12:24). Pray that you would serve devotedly, from a heart overflowing with gratitude for all God has done for you.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for demonstrating to me a life sacrificially devoted to ministry and service. I confess that my natural tendency is to serve myself, and I pray that You would help me to follow in Your footsteps, remembering how much You have done for me. It’s in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.
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