Prayer is one of the most powerful tools Christians have to serve the church. Most people know we should be praying for the church, but might not know what to pray for. These nine powerful Bible verses to pray for the church can be a great way to cover the house of the Lord in prayer.
How to pray Scripture for your church
Praying Scripture for any prayer request is a helpful practice. To pray Bible verses for a person or prayer request, you find a fitting Bible verse and apply it to the situation.
For example, if you wanted to pray for your friend who is hurting, you could choose Psalm 147:3 in the Old Testament: “He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.”
You would want to pray for their broken heart, and the hurt they feel. Then you might pray, “Dear Lord, please heal my friend’s broken heart, and bind up their wounds.” You might also want to pray for anything else about that person that comes to mind after praying the Bible verse.
A benefit of praying Scripture is that it helps us focus on the will of God for the situation, and not our own will. It also exposes us to more of God’s Word, which might change our heart on who or what we are praying for.
It is definitely not the only way to pray for a prayer request or for your church, but it is a great starting point for prayers, and a wonderful addition to your prayer life.
If you like the idea of praying Scripture for your family or children, you might also want to take a look at Moms in Prayer and Jodie Berndt’s Praying Scripture series.
9 Bible Verses to Pray for the Church
These 9 Bible verses focus on some of the traits that we should want for the church of God. Don’t miss the printable guide at the end of this post, perfect for a prayer meeting, church service, or small group prayer time!
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to be United
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Romans 12:5 KJV
Pray that our church body would be united in Christ, with each other and with other Bible-believing churches. Pray that we would not let our pride get in the way of our unity. Pray against division and pettiness.
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to be Holy
“Yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without defect and blameless before him.” Colossians 1:22
Thank our Lord Jesus Christ, who redeemed us through His work on the cross. Pray that we would accept His forgiveness. Pray that we would turn from any wicked ways. Pray that our church would strive to be holy, and live in His grace.
Pray that our church would live by the Holy Spirit. Pray that we would walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to Persevere
“Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance.” Colossians 3:12
Pray for our church’s heart to reflect our almighty God’s heart, and that we would persevere by the strength that our Heavenly Father has for us. Pray as well that we would be compassionate, kind, meek, and humble. Pray that with God’s help we would choose to do God’s will, whether it is an easy task or a difficult challenge.
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to be Faithful to God’s Word
“Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11
Pray for our church to be faithful to the Word of God. Pray that we would be like the Bereans (those who were “more noble” in verse 11), who checked what they learned from others against the truth of the Bible. Ask God to help us to trust the Bible’s truth over the world’s opinions. Pray that our church leaders would have a spirit of wisdom as they lead us in the truth with biblical teaching.
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to Be a Good Witness of Jesus Christ
“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15
Pray for our church to be a reflection of Christ to the world in the name of the Lord. Pray that we would not hide our light from the world, but shine it and the kingdom of God to others. Pray that we would be wise as we share the Good News, and have a genuine heart for those who don’t know Christ yet.
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to be Forgiving
“And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Pray for our church to be a forgiving church. Pray that the body of Christ would not be divided by grudges, hurts, or disagreements, but that we would be at peace with each other. Pray that we would follow God’s example of forgiveness.
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to be Patient
“Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9
Pray that we as a church will keep at doing the good things for God’s purpose. Pray that we will be patient as we wait to see what results God gives to the good work He has given us to do. And pray that we will trust Him as we wait.
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to be Loving
“If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-2
Pray that we would be a loving church, showing God’s love to others. Pray that none of the tasks of having church services or doing good deeds would get in the way of being the church to others. Pray that all that we do will glorify Christ Jesus.
Bible Verse to Pray for the Church to Grow
“Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
Pray that our church would do the work of ministry our Lord God calls it to do. Pray that we would get to be part of people meeting Christ. And pray that our church would grow, for God’s glory.
Printable Bible Verses to Pray for the Church Guide
We’ve put together this printable Bible Verses to Pray for the Church guide, with the list of Scriptures and suggested prayer requests related to these powerful Scriptures.
It’s perfect for personal or ministry use during quiet times, prayer meetings, public prayer, or small groups. Download it here.
These are just 9 different areas to pray for the church, and there are many more. You can also be praying Scripture for the pastor’s ministry, for the Persecuted Church around the world, for the elders of the church, and many other important needs.
Finding Bible Verses to pray for the church can be as simple as adapting one of your favorite verses and praying it for the church. Pay careful attention so that you don’t take Scripture out of context.
These Bible verses to pray for the church from the New Testament are a great way to keep praying for local churches and beyond. If you liked “Bible Verses to Pray for the Church” and want more prayer ideas, please visit 10 Prayer Points for the Church. You might also like Pray for America: 10 Prayer Points + Free Printable.