How do I pray for my pastor?
That was the surprising question my teacher friend got from her sixth grade student. They were having a conversation about praying for ministry leaders during study hall at our Christian school and my friend struggled to answer the question!
After all, we know we should “pray for our pastor”, but how do we actually DO that?
Your pastor and other ministry leaders carry a heavy burden and they need to be prayed over and lifted up to the Lord often.
Let me share with you seven prayers for your pastor and seven Bible verses that can guide you in those prayers. My husband is a pastor and I know these types of prayers have been helpful to him, so I hope you’ll use them to bless your pastor!
7 Prayers for Your Pastor
Pray for Encouragement for your Pastor
God, thank you that you are a faithful God. Help my pastor to remember that You keep your promises. Encourage my pastor as he serves you, resting in Your provision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments…” Deuteronomy 7:9, NASB
Pray for Wisdom for Your Pastor
Lord, thank you for my pastor. Please bless them with the desire to search for wisdom continually. As they seek that wisdom, may they find it in the pages of your Word, through the Holy Spirit and through the holy council of other mature believers. Thank you, God for providing the blessings of my pastor and ministry leaders! Amen.
“Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:6-7, NASB
Pray for Protection for Your Pastor
God, please protect my pastor from the evil one. We know that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. I ask for spiritual protection for my pastors and ministry leaders. Help them to be in the world so they can serve you, but not of the world. Amen.
“I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” John 17:15, NASB
Pray for Refreshment for Your Pastor
God, please give my pastor refreshment. We know that serving in ministry can have its discouragements and challenges. Bless my pastor with the refreshment that comes from knowing and trusting the Shepherd to lead and guide. Give my pastor tangible breaks from ministry as well and guard and protect my pastor’s time. In Christ’s name, Amen.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3, NASB
Pray for Your Pastor’s Prayer Life
Lord, help my pastor to have a strong life of prayer. Help them to connect with you through conversation that takes place through prayer. Bless my pastor with a prayer life that helps him learn how to align with your will and purpose. Show Your power to my pastor and other ministry leaders through times of prayer. Amen.
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:14, NASB
Pray for Your Pastor’s Character
Father, give my pastor strength of character. Help my ministry leader to maintain character even when he is challenged. Allow my pastor to continue to be sanctified and grow in faith and strong character, so that those who speak against them will be ashamed. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2, NASB
Pray for Your Pastor’s Family
This is really TWO prayers, one for your pastor’s marriage and one for their children!
Jesus, we know that children are a blessing and a crown. Thank you for my pastor’s children. Protect their hearts and minds so they can stand strong against outside pressures. Help me and others to love them for who they are and not expect them to act a certain way just because they are the child of a pastor. Bring them friends to encourage and support them. Keep them faithful to You. In Your Name, Amen.
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13, ESV
Lord, bless my pastor’s marriage. Strengthen the bonds of their marriage and give them opportunities to nurture their relationship. Prevent any outside temptations from weakening their bond and give them time for fun together too! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.” Ecclesiastes 4:9, HCSB
I hope these prayers help you as you pray for and bless your pastor, both during Pastor Appreciation Month and any time of the year!
WANT TO SPEAK WITH GRACE TO YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF YELLING?
