How can Psalm 118:26 inspire our prayers for spiritual leaders and missionaries? “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.” A Double Current of Blessing • The verse speaks first to the one who goes—“he who comes in the name of the LORD”—and then to the congregation that sends—“we bless you.” • Both strands fit perfectly with our call to pray for pastors, elders, church planters, and missionaries. Praying for Those Who Come in the Name of the LORD • Recognize their calling – They do not go in their own authority but “in the name of the LORD” (cf. Matthew 28:18-20). • Celebrate God’s favor on their obedience – “Blessed is He…” invites us to thank God for every faithful servant (Hebrews 6:10). • Ask for continued boldness and clarity – Paul begged, “Pray also for me…that I may proclaim it boldly” (Ephesians 6:19-20). • Pray protection against opposition – “Deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13) applies keenly to those on the front lines (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). • Intercede for endurance and joy – “Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Blessing Sent “From the House of the LORD” • The gathered church has authority and responsibility to commission and support (Acts 13:2-3). • Our prayers unite with heavenly purposes, releasing strength and provision (Philippians 4:18-19). • We bless with confident faith, knowing Christ Himself promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Practical Prayer Themes Drawn from Psalm 118:26 • Bless their coming and going—safe travel, open doors (Psalm 121:8; Colossians 4:3). • Bless their message—unchanged, Spirit-empowered gospel proclamation (Romans 1:16). • Bless their relationships—unity with co-workers, favor with locals (Acts 2:46-47). • Bless their spiritual health—deep personal communion with Christ (John 15:5). • Bless their material needs—daily bread, financial supply, ministry resources (Philippians 4:6; 4:19). • Bless their fruitfulness—new believers, mature disciples, reproducing churches (John 15:8). • Bless their legacy—future leaders raised up, generational impact (2 Timothy 2:2). Additional Scripture Fuel • Romans 10:15 — “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” • 3 John 6-8 — “You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” • Hebrews 13:17 — “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” • Luke 19:38 — Echoing Psalm 118:26 as crowds hailed Jesus; our leaders follow in His train. Let Psalm 118:26 continually lift your intercession, so every servant who carries the name of the LORD is both blessed by God and strengthened by the prayers that rise “from the house of the LORD.” |
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