Do You Pray for Your Pastor?
A LADY who was complaining of the remissness of her pastor, and that she did not enjoy his preaching, was asked by an elderly gentleman present, “Do you pray for your Pastor?” Her reply that she “had'not thought of that,” is but a fact in regard to many other Christians. Have you not been in a praying circle where supplication was made for many other objects, near and remote, but no request offered for the overburdened, anxious pastor? And yet does he not have temptations to struggle against, cares that “gnaw upon the brain,” and above all the weighty responsibility of the souls of his charge? Two or three years since, a minister sat in his study, sad and dispirited, and nearly decided to abandon his work in that place, feeling that his labors were fruitless and unappreciated. In the next room, two or three little girls were playing. Bye and bye he thought he heard the voice of prayer, and listening closely, this petition fell on his ear, “God bless our dear pastor.” Much moved, he took up his hat to attend the afternoon prayer-meeting, and while there, a voice, tender and earnest, was heard again pleading for the shepherd of the sheep. After service, there were tears to be seen in that pastor's eyes, and also a new resolve, a more fixed purpose; and that prayer was the beginning of the most precious revival ever known in that church? Reader, do you see faults in your pastor, or do you fail to receive the benefits which you'd sire from his ministrations. Pray for him. You do not know how it will warm your heart toward him. He will begin to see your added interest and it will serve as an excellent stimulus in the study. Don't find fault with him, but love him, and pray for him.—Selected for Review.