Almighty God, you show your affection toward us by sending your servants as instruments of your own love and care. We thank you for giving us this man who has put his hand to the plow and is not only willing, but desires to shepherd your church.
Give him courage and strength in the proclamation of the truth. Whether before the congregation or face to face, may he speak as one who speaks oracles of God. May his words lodge in the soil of men's hearts and grow and bear fruit for the kingdom of Lord Jesus.
Give him boldness and perseverance in the labor of prayer. Please hear and swiftly answer whenever he carries the burdens of the people before you.
Stir up trust and humility in those you put under his change. May they yield obedience in all things which come from your Word and Spirit and shall be beneficial to their souls. May he never lord his authority over another, but use it carefully and sparingly to better serve the servants of God. Like Jesus, may he lay down his own life for the sheep.
When you call his time to an end, may his work withstand the testing fire, that he may receive great reward from you in the eternal kingdom.