Pastors Being Pastored

I was with a group of pastors recently, and one of them talked about a time when he was faced with some particular difficulty. In relating his challenge to one of the members of his congregation, he was caught by surprise when the member immediately stood up, placed hands on his shoulders and prayed for him. This encounter happened years ago, and the pastor still remembers it as one of the most significant moments in his ministry.

I am very close to my pastor, but I would not presume to pray for her in her presence as this member did to the pastor relating the story above. As a layperson, I would guess I am not alone in that regard. While I know my pastor is just a human being, I make the assumption that her relationship with God is always right…at least more right than mine. I feel as though her prayers are more effective than mine and unsure of how I help.

Of course, all of this is silly, but the general hesitancy for laypeople to pray with and for their pastors can have the effect of leaving pastors alone in their times of great need.

If a layperson, have you ever prayed with your pastor for his or her expressed needs? If a pastor, would you welcome prayers from a member of your congregation?