Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Having asked for the prayers of the Hebrew Christians the writer now prays for them.

In Ephesians 4:12, Paul says that leaders have been given to the church by Jesus ”to equip his people for works of service”. Yesterday, as I read this familiar blessing in Hebrews, I reflected on the thought that here is one important way church leaders fulfil their calling. It is by no means the only way, but we ”equip the saints for the work of the ministry” (as one translation puts it) by praying for them. It’s hard work at times, and it’s extremely important work.

What a privilege it is for us to know that God works in and through believers. The equipping comes from Him and the glory goes to Him. We need to work hard at our callings, but ultimately the work is His.

Reflect on these words, written by Paul to the Corinthians:

”For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Cor.15:9,10.