As pastors, we often encourage our congregations to pray. We remind them of the power of prayer, guide them in its practice, and even create space in worship to connect with God. We know prayer is essential—not just for our churches but also for our lives as individuals.
But here’s the question: while we call others to prayer life, are we making time to pray ourselves?
Ministry is demanding. The to-do lists never end, and the congregation's needs can feel constant. It’s easy for prayer to slip into the category of “when there’s time,” and before we know it, our communion with God has been overshadowed by the work of the ministry.
Yet, as pastors, prayer isn’t just something we encourage but desperately need. Prayer is where our hearts are aligned with God’s. It’s where we lay down the weight of the ministry and listen for the gentle whisper of the Spirit.
Our churches look to us not just for guidance but for an example. When we lead from a place of prayerfulness, we show what it means to rely on God. We risk modeling busyness instead of connection when we neglect our prayer lives.
This isn’t about adding another “should” to our list of responsibilities; it’s about reclaiming the relationship that sustains us. Ministry is not something we do for God; it’s something we do with God. And prayer is where we return to that truth again and again.
Last week, I had the opportunity to worship with New Hope UCC on Christmas Day! In her Christmas morning message, the Rev. Dr. Myra Taylor noted that “God made time for us!” Let that sink in! We celebrated “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14), the reminder that God made time for us. God entered our humanity, walked with us, and showed us the importance of presence. If God could step into the world for us, how much more should we step into prayer to be with God?
The United Church of Christ’s Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers highlight that prayer is not only a vital personal practice but also a critical aspect of faithful ministry. The Marks call us to a prayerful mindset, reminding us that our leadership flows from a foundation of deep and ongoing spiritual connection. This underscores that prayer is not just an individual need but also a communal responsibility we carry as models of faith.
What might it look like to prioritize prayer in your day-to-day life? It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Perhaps it’s a quiet ten minutes in the morning, a pause between meetings, or a walk where you share your heart with God. These small, sacred pauses can become lifelines, moments where you are reminded that you are not leading alone.
So, as you prepare to preach, plan worship, or care for your congregation, remember that God is also calling you to prayer. Before you call others to the altar, come to the altar yourself. Before you point others to Christ, sit with Him for a while.
Your ministry flows from the overflow of your relationship with God. When you pray, you lead with words and the power of a life grounded in communion with the One who has called you.
In the busy and quiet seasons, may you find moments to pause, listen, and pray. For those moments, we are renewed and reminded of the One who sustains us all.
Let us not just teach prayer; let us live it.