By Raphael Mnkandhla

Do leaders need your prayers? Paul would answer that with a resounding yes. We can learn how to be praying for our leaders through the way Paul frequently asks for prayer in the following passages:

In Romans 15:30-33 Paul appeals for believers to strive together with him through prayer that he be delivered from unbelievers and for ministry to be acceptable to the saints and ambitions to come true.
In 2 Corinthians 1:10-11, Paul asks for help by prayer for blessings on his ministry.
In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul urges the church to make prayers and supplications for ministry effectiveness as the gospel is proclaimed.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Paul asks that God's word may speed ahead and be honored and for protection from opponents.
In Philippians 1:19-20, Paul believed that prayer put alongside the help of the Spirit could aid his release from prison.
In Colossians 4:2-4, Paul urges the church to continue steadfastly in prayer, specifically praying that God would open doors for the word and clarity of proclamation.
1 Thessalonians 5:25 is a sincere request for prayer to siblings in the faith.
In Philemon 22, Paul is evidently hopeful in the power of prayer to set him free from prison. Prayer has a way of infusing hope for leaders to endure and remain hopeful even in adversity

In the scriptures above a few things stand out about prayers for leaders:

Prayer as a partnership: In prayer, we strive alongside and help our leaders.
Prayer as a catalyst: in prayer, we can aid in the effectiveness in ministry. Paul sees prayer as necessary for open doors, the right words, honorable reception, clarity, and boldness in proclamation. Our prayers can impact the gospel quality and the boldness of our leaders.
Prayer as care: We can join our leaders in praying for the Godly ambitions God has laid in their hearts.
Prayer as protection: We can pray for leaders to be delivered from trouble and evil. Our prayers have the power to deliver.

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