The role of a pastor is both unique and challenging. As Scripture illustrates, a pastor is a sheep who has been entrusted by the Great Shepherd with the responsibility to shepherd a specific "flock of God" (1 Peter 5:2). This dual role of being both a sheep and a shepherd makes the pastoral calling a complex one. On one hand, a pastor must guide others; on the other, he must be led by the Great Shepherd just like any other believer. This dynamic calls for humility, as a pastor is not an exalted figure but a lead follower, setting an example for others to follow (1 Peter 5:3).
In essence, a pastor’s leadership is rooted in his own discipleship. His primary identity is as a follower of Jesus, the Great Shepherd. His leadership doesn’t stem from a place of superiority but from his commitment to follow Christ in a way that others can emulate. Hebrews 13:7, 17 reminds us that pastors are accountable to God for how they lead, teach, and care for the souls entrusted to them.
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A Call to Prayerful Dependence
When a pastor’s role is understood correctly, it naturally leads to a posture of prayerful dependence. The enormity of the responsibility should drive both the pastor and his congregation to their knees in prayer. A pastor must rely on Christ for guidance in how to model Christian living, handle the Word of God, and shepherd the souls under his care. His effectiveness as a leader is directly tied to his dependence on Christ.
“How well a pastor leads depends on how well he follows the Great Shepherd.”
To support pastors in their calling, here are ten prayers inspired by the Psalms. These prayers can serve as a guide for pastors to seek God’s leading and can also be adapted by church members as prayers for their leaders.
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1. Following: Lead me as my Shepherd.
Great Shepherd, this flock belongs to you, and I am only an overseer, appointed by your Spirit (Acts 20:28). I acknowledge my complete dependence on you, for apart from you, I can do nothing (John 15:5). Help me continually seek your guidance and strength as I serve your people. Lead me in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.
2. Wisdom: Lead me in your understanding.
Great Shepherd, I know that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Psalm 111:10). I delight in your Word because it provides the understanding I need to live a life pleasing to you (Colossians 1:10). Grant me the wisdom to follow your commandments with my whole heart, for my love for you compels me to obey (John 14:15).
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3. Teaching: Lead me by your Spirit.
Great Shepherd, you have called me to teach my brothers and sisters (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9). Remind me that all I have to teach comes from you through the work of your Spirit (1 Corinthians 4:7). Help me to teach not only through my words but also through my actions, empowered by your Spirit (James 1:22). Lead me by your Spirit and teach me to do your will.
4. Purity: Lead me in your righteousness.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness. (Psalm 5:8)
Great Shepherd, I know my heart is vulnerable to temptation, just like any other. You know my innermost thoughts and the state of my heart better than I do. Reveal any sin in me, so that my brothers and sisters who trust in you will never be ashamed because of me (Psalm 69:6). Lead me to be a leader who confesses, repents, receives grace, and pursues holiness. Lead me in your righteousness, not my own.
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5. Guidance: Lead me in your truth.
Great Shepherd, your ways are steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalm 25:10). Yet, as a lead follower, I often struggle to know the right path to take. I depend entirely on you for guidance. Keep me humble, remembering that “in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Give me patience to wait for your clarity and boldness to lead when your guidance is clear. Lead me and my flock in your truth.
6. Courage: Lead me because of my enemies.
Great Shepherd, you faced opposition with wisdom and grace. Teach me to cultivate similar courage. Help me be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). Give me the courage to seek your glory above my own (John 7:18) and to love my enemies even when it’s difficult (Luke 6:27). Grant me the strength to speak the truth in love, even when it’s unpopular (Ephesians 4:15). Lead me on a level path, despite my enemies.
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7. Discouragement: Lead me with your light.
Great Shepherd, when I face discouragement from opposition, criticism, personal struggles, or exhaustion, have mercy on me. Send your light and truth to guide me back to hope and courage (Psalm 27:14).
8. Protection: Lead me to your refuge.
Great Shepherd, you laid down your life to save us from our greatest danger—God’s wrath (John 10:11; Romans 5:8–9). You promised tribulation in this world but assured us of your victory (John 16:33). Protect me and my flock from losing faith. Lead me to take refuge in you alone, especially when I am afraid (Hebrews 10:39).
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9. Overwhelmed: Lead me when my heart is faint.
Great Shepherd, I find comfort in knowing that even David, a strong and courageous leader, felt overwhelmed at times. You know my weaknesses and my limitations (Psalm 103:14). When I am overwhelmed, lift me up to a place of rest and perspective. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
10. Spiritual Desertion: Lead me through my darkness.
Great Shepherd, when darkness envelops me and I feel lost, when I can’t sense your presence or hear your voice, remind me that even in these times, you are still with me. Saints throughout history have endured similar struggles. Remind me that even my darkness is not dark to you. Reveal yourself to me and my brothers and sisters as the Shepherd who never loses a sheep, even in the darkest valleys (Psalm 23:4). Let your hand lead me until the storm passes and your light dawns in the darkness (Psalm 112:4).
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