“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…”
– Ephesians 5:25

Day 10 – Love for Family

As a pastor’s kid, I’ve seen firsthand the toll pastoral ministry can take on a marriage and family, especially when ministry trumps family. It can be deceptively easy for pastors to be so consumed by their responsibilities that their family suffers. But God gives us a different picture, one where being a loving husband and father should take priority over ministry. That’s what is written in Ephesians. Husbands are to love their wives like Christ loves the church.

Remember, Christ is the head of the church, not you, so there’s freedom to love your family and prioritize their needs first.

As you pray for your pastor, consider praying for him in these ways:

• Love for wife/family is rightly prioritized over role
• Love that is evident and can be seen.
• Ability to safeguard family from the dangers of ministry
• Patience, trust, and hope for those seeking marriage or starting a family

Prayer Prompt

Lord, I pray that my pastor (for a church member)/ I (as a pastor) will remember one of the first callings on his life, to be a loving and selfless husband/father. I ask that this love will be evident and clear and not disingenuous. Give him the ability to protect and care for his family well, even in ministry…