Nurturing the Soul: A Prayer Guide for Pastors and Missionaries
Introduction:
As missionaries in the KC Underground, we give all that we can to Jesus through our acts of service to others. While this can be incredibly fulfilling when we see the results of a changed life, a new microchurch emerging, a baptism, or a new believer, there are times of drought and dryness that can be difficult to muddle through.
As you spend time praying with the KC Underground today, pray through each of the following steps for yourself first. Don’t rush. Be present to God as he is always near. Next, use each step to pray for the KC Underground missionaries spread throughout our greater Kansas City network.
Expect God to do great things in you and through you as you pray!
Pray:
1. Gratitude for Calling:
Loving God, we thank you for the privilege of serving as pastors and missionaries. We acknowledge the weight of our calling and the impact it has on our souls. Help us to always be grateful for the opportunity to guide and minister to others, recognizing the profound significance of our role.
2. Seeking God’s Presence:
Heavenly Father, in the midst of our busy lives, we yearn for your presence. Grant us the wisdom to carve out dedicated time to be still before you. May we find solace and restoration in your loving embrace, allowing our souls to be refreshed in your presence.
3. Renewal and Restoration:
Lord, we come before you with weary hearts and burdened souls. Renew our spirits, restore our joy, and heal our wounds. Pour out your peace upon us, filling us with your strength and resilience. Help us to release our worries and find solace in your unending grace.
4. Deepening Intimacy:
O God, as we care for our souls, deepen our intimacy with you. Guide us as we engage in prayer, meditation, and
the study of your Word. May these practices deepen our understanding of your character and align our hearts with your will. Draw us closer to you, transforming us from the inside out.
5. Emotional and Mental Well-being:
Loving Savior, we lift up our emotional and mental well- being to you. Grant us discernment to recognize signs of burnout, stress, or anxiety. Help us to seek healthy outlets for our emotions, whether through trusted friendships, counseling, or self-care activities. Grant us wisdom to set healthy boundaries and protect our emotional well-being.
6. Finding Joy and Rest:
God of all goodness, guide us to moments of rest and restoration. Show us how to find joy in simple pleasures, to engage in activities that bring us delight, and to savor moments of rest that replenish our souls. Teach us the art of Sabbath, that we may experience true rest in your presence.
7. Modeling Soul Care:
Lord, empower us to model soul care to those we serve. May our commitment to nurturing our own souls inspire others to prioritize their well-being. Help us create communities that embrace self-care, authenticity, and holistic growth, where each person’s soul is valued and nurtured.
Conclusion:
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of soul care and the gentle reminder to prioritize our own well-being. As we embark on this journey, may your Holy Spirit guide us, granting us the wisdom, strength, and discernment needed to nurture our souls. May our souls be a source of refreshment, guiding us to minister from a place of abundance and love. In your precious name, we pray, Amen.