Yesterday, we saw Paul’s prayer request and we understood from Scripture that as much as we need our pastors (servants of God) to pray for us, they also need us to stand with them in prayer. Let’s continue with the second prayer request:
“Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer” – 2 Thess 3:2.
B. For Deliverance from Wicked and Evil People
Paul’s second prayer request was for protection and deliverance. He understood that ministry (serving God) often attracts spiritual and physical opposition. The enemy knows that if the shepherd is struck, the sheep will scatter (Zechariah 13:7). In Acts 23:12, we read:
“Some Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.”
- Paul’s only “crime” was preaching the gospel. Thankfully, God delivered him through divine intervention.
- Beloved, we must stand with the servants of God in prayer, for they face daily opposition while shepherding our souls.
- James was killed, and Peter would have also been killed if the Church had not prayed (Acts 12:1-6).
Servants of God constantly face oppositions; not only physical but emotional and spiritual oppositions also.
Our pastors may not face literal assassination plots today, but they face persecution, emotional stress, financial pressure, health challenges, and even betrayal. Many silently bear the burdens of their congregations while enduring personal struggles of their own.
- They endure discouragement, loneliness, misunderstandings, and spiritual attacks.
- Some feel unappreciated or unloved despite their sacrifices. Others battle burnout or feel tempted to give up entirely.
- We need to stand with them in prayer for strength, encouragement, wisdom, and divine protection.
The reality: What Pastors Face Today
Recent studies reveal just how heavy this weight can be for those called to serve. The table below highlights some sobering statistics that remind us why our prayers and support for pastors are not optional but essential.
| Area of Concern | Key Findings / Statistics | Source |
| Considering leaving ministry | 38% of U.S. pastors have seriously considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year. | Barna Group (2022) – “Pastors’ Well-Being” [barna.com] |
| Stress and pressure | 56% of pastors who considered quitting said the immense stress of the job was a major factor. | Barna Group (2022) – “The Challenge of Pastoral Ministry” [barna.com] |
| Loneliness and isolation | 43% of pastors cited feeling lonely or isolated as a reason for considering resignation. | Barna Group (2022) |
| Burnout prevalence | Around 70% of pastors report feeling burned out or distressed at least once a month. | World Metrics (2023) – “Pastor Burnout Statistics” [worldmetrics.org] |
| Family impact | 80% of pastors’ spouses feel their husband’s ministry has negatively affected family life. | Unify Ministries Inc. (2024) – Pastoral Stress Data [unifyministriesinc.com] |
| Perceived under-appreciation | 60% of pastors say they feel unappreciated for their work in ministry. | Lifeway Research (2023) – Pastor Care and Retention Study |
| Leaving rate | Only 1.2% leave ministry annually, but 22% believe their predecessor left due to burnout — a significant rise from 10% a decade ago. | Christianity Today (2025) – “Pastors Leaving Ministry Report” |
| African context | Over 65% of South African ministers report exhaustion, sadness, loneliness, or hardship in ministry. | Verbum et Ecclesia Journal (2015) – “Burnout among South African Clergy” [verbumetecclesia.org.za] |
- These numbers are not just statistics; they represent the emotional and spiritual weight carried by those who shepherd our souls.
- They feel the pressure of expectations, the pain of criticism, and the loneliness of leadership.
- Like Paul, many are simply saying, “Pray for us.”
Call to Action – Pray!
When was the last time you prayed sincerely for your pastor or leader? Not out of routine, but out of love and gratitude for the work they do.
Apostle Paul’s heart cry echoes through the centuries: “Finally, dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.”
- Servants of God need our prayers, not because they are weak, but because the work they do is spiritual and demanding.
- When you pray for them, you partner with God in advancing His kingdom.
So today, let us respond with commitment, lifting our pastors and leaders before God, that the gospel will spread, that they will be strengthened, protected, and refreshed, and that the grace of God will sustain them for every good work. ~ Minister James Deke
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