Pray for the Leaders

“Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” Matthew 23:3

Is the Pope perfect? Are the archbishops, priests or pastors spotless? Is your catholic charismatic leader faultless? We all know all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Only Jesus is perfect.

How many Christians have shunned away from following God after their church leader has faltered? Answer – many.  People stop in going to church or prayer meetings when their leader falls into sin or has done a wrongdoing, especially when it is made public. Jesus points out that Christian faith should be focus on the God alone and not on man. He is saying that we follow the preaching and not the preacher. Be ministered by the ministry and not by the minister. Be touched by the message and not by the messenger. Our faith should be anchored on God and not on someone’s faith.

On the other hand, the enemy works double time for our church leaders to fall. The enemy knows that when a pillar of the house crumbles, people’s faith crumbles too. The enemy’s resources are geared towards hitting the head ship so the other ships may scatter.  The enemy’s strategy is to trap the leader so the followers may jump in into the pit.

It is important to realize that praying for our leaders should be part of our prayers. That they may practice what they preach. That they may lead us not only by words but with actions. That they may stand firm when temptation comes their way. That we may find them faithful.  Friends, let us pray for the following leaders of the church:

• Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales
• Archbishop Paciano Aniceto
• Ricardo Cardinal Vidal
• Filipino Bishops and priests
• Eddie Villanueva and other evangelical pastors
• Mike Velarde, Bo Sanchez and other charismatic leaders
• Brothers of the Servants of the Word especially those in the Philippines
• Christ’s Youth in Action Director, Raoul Roncal
• Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon Director, Mon Samson
• Leaders of local charismatic communities

Pray for our leaders in the faith. But when your church leader falters, focus on God and continue to follow Him.