Abiding in Prayer by Scott Butler

For some time now, we have experienced an influx of musicians who are excited about the opportunity to use their gifts and talents for Jesus. As our ministry grows, we have opportunity to mentor and lead these volunteers. I am completely humbled that the Lord would choose me to shepherd this incredible team.

When I think of the responsibilities of a shepherd, I am further humbled and feel a deep sense of conviction. Many of the characteristics of a shepherd can be applied to ministry. A shepherd takes care of the flock and knows when one is missing. He knows their habits and characteristics and can mostly predict and understand their peculiarities. He also disciplines when necessary, because one rebellious sheep can influence and lead other sheep astray. He takes care of their physical needs and works hard to keep them safe.

One thing I believe is unique to one who shepherds in ministry is the idea of abiding for his sheep. I have been challenged in this area, and the Holy Spirit is continuing to burn this idea of abiding for others deeply into my soul!

Early in ministry I developed a bad habit of telling people, “I will pray for you.” I often said this, then forgot to pray. It was so easy to say something I meant, yet communicate that I didn’t mean it at all! I no longer want to get so caught up in the details of ministry that I miss what’s taking place right in front of me. I have since begun to pray for people before they leave my sight, or I take the time to write down the request. The Lord is helping me to develop people-focused eyes.

For over a year now, I have been part of a spiritual retreat called The Journey, which is changing me from the inside out! One of our teachers, Chuck Miller has influenced my thinking and impacted my life in this area of abiding for others. In his book, The Spiritual Formation of Leaders, Chuck says, “The Spirit continually brings people to mind for whom we can pray, and we need to do just that.” I am moved by that phrase. Because of the size of our ministry, there are many volunteers to shepherd and they each have unique individual needs. In this practice of abiding, I am asking the Lord to help me to intercede for the physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.

I am grateful for the volutneers the Lord has called into the Worship & Arts Ministry. The following passage from Ephesians 3:14-21 is my prayer for each of them: “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Whether you minister to a large group of volunteers, to a small group in your home, or to your family and friends, you can grow–as I have–in faith and worship as you abide for others.