The Pastor’s Prayer LIfe

Burmese Bible School

Intro to Homiletics

Kelvin S. Jones

Natural and Spiritual Leaders

Natural Self-confident Knows men Makes own decisions Ambitious Creates methods Enjoys command Has a big ego Seeks personal reward Independent

Spiritual Confident in God Also knows God Seeks God's will Humble Follows God's example Delights in obedience to God Loves God and others more Seeks the kingdom’s welfare Depends on God

Why is it important to talk about the spiritual life of leaders?

Jesus exemplified a strong prayer life.

Jesus nurtured spiritual life in his disciples.

A heart for God is essential for true fruitfulness.

Passion for God grows churches.

What is needed to maintain our spiritual fire?

“Spiritual leadership requires superior spiritual power, which can never be generated by the self.” Sanders

“Let every pastor take note: Our attempt at ministry will be an absolute exercise in futility if we are not expecting and experiencing divine help through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Jim Cymbala in Fresh Power

Spiritual leaders prioritize their own spiritual disciplines

Prayer time Bible reading Fasting Time away Reading for your heart

A leader’s spiritual life is on display

Public prayers

Sense of worship and humility before God

Dependence upon the Holy Spirit

God’s guidance

Prayer and the sermon

Prayer helps pick the subject (sermon planning) Prayer guides the emphasis and formation Praying pastors apply each sermon to

themselves as part of the preparation Before preaching pray specifically for

empowerment While preaching be in prayer for guidance in

calling for response.

A spiritual leader’s promised fruitfulness

You will bear much fruit – John 15:5 God will enlarge your harvest – 2 Co. 9:10 You will not be unproductive

– 2 Peter 1:8– Proverbs 11:30

You will receive a rich welcome into God’s eternal kingdom – 2 Peter 1:11

Quiet Moments

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6 NIV