How to End the Year Well: A Prayer for Pastors this Christmas

By Ben Bradley, BCI Communications Director

Christmas is a season of expectation and celebration. But this year, many pastors instead find themselves in a season of weariness.

One sure way to end this year well is for pastors to be reminded of the gospel and rest in the knowledge that Christ has already won the victory on our behalf. Pastors, be encouraged and uplifted as we pray these scriptures over you this Christmas season.

2020 BCI Annual Meeting Report

Our Heavenly Father,

In this challenging season, we are especially grateful for our BCI pastors, good leaders, who are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17).

For Rest in Christ

We pray for pastors to find their soul’s rest in Christ. That they would not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present their requests to God. That the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). We pray that pastors would go to Christ whenever they are weary and burdened, and He will give them rest. That they take up Jesus’ yoke and learn from Him for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

For Leaders to Emerge

We pray that new leaders would emerge in every church to share the burden of ministry. We pray that there would be many who aspire to be an overseer, who desire this noble work (1 Timothy 3:1). We pray for young leaders to emerge who will set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

For Unity in the Church

We pray that pastors would experience unity in the body of Christ. We pray that brothers and sisters would, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, agree in what they say, that there be no divisions among them, and that they be united with the same understanding and the same conviction (1 Corinthians 1:10). We pray that church members would be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble (1 Peter 3:8).

God, we give thanks to you for every remembrance of our pastors, always praying with joy for them, because of their partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:3-5).