Father God,

Today, I pray for the pastors of our nation who carry the burden of shepherding Your People. I pray that You would keep them true to Your Word both in the details of what they proclaim and true to proclaiming Your whole Word for All of Life. I pray that they would not only preach Truth but live out Truth in their lives. I pray that they would not only live Truth in their own lives, but would live as true shepherds, loving the sheep in body and spirit such that the sheep of their flocks would flourish.

As I pray for the true shepherds to grow in their Christ likeness, I also pray against those who stand in the roles but pervert the role as wolves. I pray against those who preach falsehoods in details. I pray against those who steal from the Truth by denying its power and extent. I pray against those who feed off the sheep rather than feed them.

I pray that You would raise up and lift up the true earthly shepherds, equipping them to bless Your People. I pray that You would reveal the false shepherds and remove their influence over Your People.

ln Christ’s Name,

Amen.