The role that Justin Welby is about to take on is huge. And whether you're Anglican or not, his appointment as the new Archbishop of Canterbury is an important event. His influence will be wide. His opinions well-reported in the press. His words and actions will bear heavily on the unity, direction and integrity of the Anglican communion and it's 77 million members. And that reflects on Christians everywhere.
So, it's important that we pray. And then pray again for him. But how do we pray for him? Here are 5 suggestions:
1. Faithfulness in belief
We shouldn't be naive. It's hard to be faithful when forces from inside the church and out are urging you to put forward a watered-down gospel. So let's pray he stands firm (Philippians 1:27). If there are areas in his life where he has wandered away from God's truth, let's pray that God will draw him back. And let's pray he'll be bold enough to teach what's true even when that's desperately counter cultural (Psalm 86:11).
2. Integrity in life
He's a sinner. Bound to be, being human. So let's pray he keeps repenting and, as Ephesians 4 puts it, keeps putting off his old self and putting on the new so that he can shine as a man of gospel-integrity in a dark world.
3. Humble and gentle in attitude
He may be a denominational leader in the making but his call is to humble servant-heartedness and a quiet and gentle spirit (Philippians 2:5-11). A challenge and a half when a miriad committees (from all theological camps) are seeking his wisdom and backing and a throng of media moguls from around the world are seeking his soundbites! Let's pray he model's Christ-like leadership with every word he utters.
4. Concerned for the spiritual welfare of his flock
As the person who sets the tone for the Anglican communion, let's pray that he is motivated by the Good Shepherd to be an exemplary under-shepherd who has a passion to nurture the Christians in his care (1Peter 5:1-4). Let's pray he desires Christians to grow in love and truth, to be protected from false doctrine and to grow to maturity within churches who understand the importance of Bible-centred community and Christ-centred mission.
5. Eager in his own relationship with God
And let's pray that in the middle of a massive workload, grueling schedules with endless travelling that he will always make time to keep his own relationship with Jesus strong. Let's pray that he will be a man of prayer, who sits under and delights in God's word (Psalm 1:2).
Time to get to our knees...
