In the seventh year Jehoiada sent for the commanders of units of a hundred, the Carites and the guards and had them brought to him at the temple of the LORD. He made a covenant with them and put them under oath at the temple of the LORD. Then he showed them the king’s son. He commanded them, saying, “This is what you are to do: You who are in the three companies that are going on duty on the Sabbath—a third of you guarding the royal palace, a third at the Sur Gate, and a third at the gate behind the guard, who take turns guarding the temple- and you who are in the other two companies that normally go off Sabbath duty are all to guard the temple for the king. Station yourselves around the king, each man with his weapon in his hand. Anyone who approaches your ranks must be put to death. Stay close to the king wherever he goes.” 2 Kings 11:4-8

In those days priests and other religious leaders wielded a lot of power. Their actions were not questioned often. Some would say that they had too much power.

Today we see power among religious leaders growing, and it’s troubling. It’s one thing to have influence over people. It’s entirely different when that power and influence goes to your head and you think youi are more than you actually are. Obviously this doesn’t apply to all religious leaders in all denominations.

Pray for your pastor, today. Pray that he (or she) will continue to have a godly influence on congregations. Pray that God will use that influence for His glory. Pray that he or she will make right choices concerning their congregations.

And of course, pray for the spouses as well. Pray that God will continue to use them in their ministries as well.