“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”
– Romans 5:3-4

Day 14- Hope in Suffering

Pastors have a unique relationship to suffering. Not only do they experience suffering in their own lives, but they are given the task of ministering to crowds in the deepest moments of their suffering as well. Oftentimes, pastors can struggle with burnout and depression as they feel the weight of suffering from their church. But remember, pastor, Christ’s shoulders are much stronger than yours. When you suffer and experience the suffering of others, Christ is near. For He is near to the brokenhearted. And your suffering is not pointless, but accomplishing all of His good purpose for you and your church.

Take heart, your suffering is transforming you more into the likeness of the Son, the man of sorrows, who alone has the power to fill you with hope beyond all comparison, the very hope that is impossible to experience apart from deep suffering. As you pray for your pastor today, consider praying for him in these ways:

That he would experience a hope in suffering that is only explainable by the gospel
That he would experience God’s nearness in dark moments
That God would give wisdom to minister to sinners and sufferers as a sinner and suffer himself
For patience in the trial and gratitude in all circumstances

Prayer Prompt

Lord, I pray that my pastor (for a church member)/ I (as a pastor) would be formed by his suffering and the suffering of his church. Be quick to remind him of your overarching purposes in the midst of suffering, even if he can’t see the tangible results immediately. Give him a deepened faith in suffering, allowing him to run first to you in faith for comfort and help. Allow him to be an example to all of how to live a life of suffering in hope in relationship with you, God…

*These prayers are a part of our series of prayers for pastors during Pastor Appreciation Month. A new prayer will release every morning throughout the month for pastors and their members to reflect on and pray.