A Prayer For a Heavy Hearted Pastor

A PRAYER FOR A HEAVY HEARTED PASTOR He sits there and he listens to many people’s needs, He hears of all their problems, his heart so deeply bleeds. He knows he has no pastor to take these burdens to; He seems at loss for answers of just what he can do. He knows he, too, has weaknesses, and yet he goes each day To meet them in his office and try to show the way. He wonders if they’ll listen, or why at him they scoff And say that from his rocker he has just fallen off. He watches as down a pathway of sin they choose to go, And where that path will lead them he very well does know. Perhaps because they know him, or someone else in life Who chose to be rebellious and to God they gave strife, And yet they now are walking and serving God each day, So they conclude, “What’s different? I’ll do it my own way!” And try as best to tell them just what may happen next, They seem to have no fear of the time and sad regrets. Perhaps they’ve heard do often, yet never see the hand Of discipline from heaven for shunning God’s commands, And so they think You’re smiling on what they chose to do, When all You are is patient; yes patient, Lord, are You! So Lord, I know he’s burdened, so why I come today Is just to ask You’d cheer him on what seems a dreary way. If he has done his utmost, and he has, I am sure, He’s cleaned his hands of judgment for what they will endure. They’ve heard the word that’s spoken, now they will sow the seeds And they will reap the harvest of their misjudging deeds. What hurts him, though, I know it, is they’ll want him around When judgment comes to claim them and knock them to the ground. And he must somehow calm them, repair that broken piece, And give them Your assurance of forgiveness and release. I know and sense his burden, his love for every soul, But lately all these burdens seem beyond his control. I realize, Lord, we all have a greatly pressing need, A weakness or a past that was full of sinful deeds. But Lord, who can he go to when all these burdens press And bring him so much pressure and tears of great distress? He can’t tell us these problems; they’re confidential things, But yet he has no other to whom he can these bring. So it’s just You, dear Jesus, who now can hear him cry So won’t you touch from heaven ere he should strain and die? Just let him know I love him, just tell Him You do, too, Just give him added wisdom to see these things all through. I’ll tell You what, dear Jesus, I’ll gladly wait my turn, Although I know I’m burdened with many great concerns. If by my patient waiting his burdens are relieved, Then I’ll wait for You, Jesus, my answer to receive. For God, he is my pastor, my dear and precious friend, He’s guided me and fed me; I know You him did send Into my life to help me to know just how to live And challenge me from Your word that all to You I’d give. Now Lord, he is Your servant, on You he does depend, I ask now You will help him, in Jesus’ name, Amen.