Paul's Journey to Jerusalem - Pt. 16: Paul Prays for the Pastors
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | December 4 2025 | Acts 20:32-35
KEY VERSE: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32, KJV)
MESSAGE:
After reminding the Ephesian leaders that they were one family in Christ, Paul turned their attention to something deeply important—prayer. The passage shows that Paul not only taught leaders, but he also prayed for them. His words, “I commend you to God,” reveal a heart that trusted God to sustain, guide, and strengthen His servants.
Paul’s own life bears witness to this commitment. From the moment he encountered Christ, prayer became central to everything he did. In Acts 9:11, God identified Paul to Ananias while he was praying. In Acts 22:17-21, Paul received direction from God during prayer. In Acts 13:1-3, it was during prayer and fasting that God set Paul and Barnabas apart for mission. In Acts 14:23, new leaders were appointed through prayer. And in Acts 16, God responded powerfully to Paul and Silas as they prayed in the night.
Prayer shaped Paul’s ministry, decisions, relationships, and strength. And now, in Acts 20, he prays again—for the pastors. Paul knew they would face responsibilities that could only be carried with God’s help. Prayer was his way of placing them into God’s capable hands. Paul teaches us that leadership is not upheld by talent but by God’s grace. And the Church must never assume that pastors do not need prayer. They need it deeply. Paul knew this, and so he prayed—and urged the Church to pray as well.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Paul’s example shows that spiritual leaders carry burdens we often do not see. They teach, guide, care, protect, and serve. They need strength, wisdom, and courage that only God gives. Your response is simple but powerful: pray for them. Lift your pastors, ministers, elders, and church workers before God. Pray for their families, their hearts, and their walk with Christ. Support them with love and intercession so they can serve with joy.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, help me remember my pastors in prayer. Strengthen every leader You have appointed, and watch over their homes, their hearts, and their work. Teach me to support them with love and intercession as they serve Your Church. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: COMMEND The word “commend” comes from the Greek paratithēmi — meaning to place into someone’s care, to entrust, to hand over for safekeeping.
Paul was not simply encouraging the pastors; he was handing them over to God’s protection, guidance, and grace. He knew they could not carry their responsibilities on their own. Only God could strengthen them, lead them, and build them up for the work ahead.
Reflect on this:
When you pray for your pastors, you are doing exactly what Paul did — placing them into God’s hands. You are entrusting them to the One who sees their burdens, strengthens their hearts, and watches over their steps.
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