But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
Numbers 7:9 (NIV)
Father, this morning my soul is reminded of those whom You have set apart and designated to carry on their shoulders the burdens of Your people. Lord, I pray for all of the leaders that You have set apart for the various works that You have called them to, whether it is to lead in works, schools or churches, whether it is to be a manager, teacher, or pastor, whether it is in the public or private sector. These men and women that You have called to shoulder the responsibilities given to them need Your intervention in their lives, that they might lead with integrity, serve for the greater good, and be the women and men that represent You and those whom You have been given charge over in a manner that represents You well.
In truth many of them do not realize that they are Your servants and that they are fulfilling a call. They often believe that they themselves are making the decisions and setting the course before them. Yet, I know that You are sovereign and that the heart of the king is in Your hands (Proverbs 21:1). Therefore, I can trust that You will fulfill Your will in them and through them, and thus can put my attention and my prayers for their betterment. Father, give them wisdom. Guide their decision making. Help them to see the role that they play in the lives of all of us. And place a hedge of protection around them.
I pray especially for those who have been given spiritual charge over us, who truly carry “the holy things” on their shoulders. I pray for grace to permeate their lives. Father, help them to experience daily Your tender mercies, having their souls satisfied by Your love, knowing who they are and Whose they are. Open their eyes to the splendor of Your work in their lives and the lives of those You have given them charge over, whether it is in the role of pastor, teacher, elder, director of music – whatever- so that they can always share Christ in a real and fresh way, encouraging others to follow them as they follow Him (1 Corinthians 11:1). And, Lord, forgive them of their sins, washing them fresh and anew, each moment, minute and hour of the day. Help them to experience the Spirit’s transforming power in a new way every day, resting in the finished work of Jesus.
Spread Your love, Father, and strengthen them so that they can carry on their shoulder the holy things they are responsible for in Jesus’ Name. Amen.