Prayer is an important ministry of any church, as it encourages people to bring the needs of their hearts to the Lord. Some ministries maintain a church prayer list with prayer requests from inside and outside the church. Is yours missing something important?
Many of these church prayer lists are full of meaningful prayer requests for relatives, friends, and other people who are going through challenges. It is a privilege to pray for them! We should always lift them up in prayer.
But it is also important to be praying for the ministries at the church, for other people, and for your own walk with God.
Adding these to your church prayer list can be helpful in mentoring the people of the church to have a prayer life with a variety of requests, looking beyond their own circumstances.
This church prayer list guide gives you 52 requests – perfect for a weekly prayer list – in three categories: Church Ministries, Other People, and Your Walk with God.
Be sure to check out the free download of these in one handy .pdf file, detailed at the end of this post!
Church Prayer List: Example Prayer Requests for Your Church
These prayer request examples give you enough ideas to add 3 different prayer requests to your church prayer list each week, using one from each category.
This can be especially helpful for weekly prayer meetings, small groups, and Bible studies. It can also be useful for church bulletin prayer lists. You can also use them for your own personal prayer time, or in a church’s prayer ministry.
Whether you work in the church office, run the church’s prayer ministry, or are one of the pastors or other church leaders, these prayer requests can be useful in planning prayer times and prayer lists.
Not every prayer request will fit every church, nor will it include every prayer request your church might have. Feel free to change the requests to suit your needs.
Prayer Requests for Your Church Ministries
What would happen if the people of your church started praying for the different ministries of your church?
Not only would God hear those prayers and answer them according to His will, but those hearts might be changed toward ministry at your church. It’s also a great way for church members to see the power of prayer!
You may want to reach out to each ministry to see if they would like the prayer request. If you do that, and space on your church prayer list is a concern, give them a guideline as to length. You can also tell them that they don’t need to get it worded perfectly, that you will edit it for clarity and space.
These prayer requests for church ministries also include time-sensitive prayer requests, such as occasional church events and holiday celebrations. These are included towards the end of the list. Please place them as appropriate in your prayer schedule.
If one of the prayer requests isn’t a great fit for your church, you can use it as a starting point for a prayer request, or substitute your own request.
You also don’t necessarily have to have 52 weeks’ worth of prayer requests without repeats. Most people will not care if you repeat requests twice a year, so you could choose your 26 favorite requests and repeat them, with some holiday or event ones mixed in where appropriate.
52 Ministry Prayer Requests
- Pray for the Elders and Deacons, that they may have wisdom as they lead and serve the congregation.
- Pray for the Senior Pastor, for a closer walk with God each day.
- Pray for the staff of our church, that they would see God’s provision for their needs.
- Pray for the Worship Team, for their unity and creativity.
- Pray for the Children’s Ministry, that it would be a safe place for children to learn about God.
- Pray for the Youth Group, that they will grow in their walk with God.
- Pray for the Outreach Ministry, that they will be effective in ways to share the love of Christ.
- Pray for the Missions Committee, that they will encourage missionaries around the world.
- Pray for the Audiovisual Team, that their behind-the-scenes work will be a blessing to the worship service.
- Pray for the Small Group Leaders, that they may faithfully lead people in understanding God’s Word.
- Pray for the Women’s Ministry, that they may find ways to help women connect and grow in Christ.
- Pray for the Men’s Ministry, that they may mentor other men in being faithful men of God.
- Pray for the Prayer Meetings and other intercessors at our church, that they will be faithful in prayer and encouraged in it.
- Pray for the Worship Services, that they may be times where people surrender to the Lord.
- Pray for the Hospitality Team, that they may be blessed as they help create a welcoming environment.
- Pray for the Discipleship Ministry, that God will use it to equip believers to grow in their faith.
- Pray for the Singles Ministry, that this important part of our church community will feel supported.
- Pray for the Finance Team, that they may steward the church’s resources carefully.
- Pray for the Greeters, that their welcomes would help people feel at home at our church.
- Pray for our church buildings, that they would be places where people meet Jesus and grow in Him.
- Pray for the Senior Adults Ministry, that they would be encouraged, and continue to use their God-given gifts.
- Pray for the Worship Planning Team, that they would be inspired by the Holy Spirit as they map out each week’s worship service.
- Pray for the College and Career Ministry, that young adults would find the connection and support of a loving church family.
- Pray for our Benevolent Ministries to those in need, that our actions would point them toward the love of Christ.
- Pray for our ministry to those in crisis or grieving, that we may effectively and compassionately communicate the great love and peace found in Jesus.
- Pray for our ministries to families, that they would feel supported as they build loving, God-honoring relationships.
- Pray for the Spiritual Care Team, that they may offer comfort and support to those in need.
- Pray for the Building Maintenance Team, that they may have resources to provide a safe and welcoming place for ministry.
- Pray for our ministry to New Believers, that they may grow in their understanding of God’s Word.
- Pray for our other local, Bible-believing churches, that we may find unity in our local congregations through the Lord, and work together for God’s purposes.
- Pray for our Church Website, that it would be helpful to both the new visitor and the church family member.
- Pray for our Nursery Ministry as they provide a loving and safe place for the youngest members of our church family.
- Pray for our Visiting Ministry to the sick and homebound, that they would minister to them with love and grace.
- Pray for our Online Ministry, that we would be faithfully spreading the Gospel online and encouraging people in Christ.
- Pray for our Care Ministry, that they would be equipped to offer useful and practical assistance to those who are going through difficult times.
- Pray that our Church Volunteers would be strengthened in their walk with the Lord and blessed in their service.
- Pray for our church to experience revival in Jesus Christ.
Time-Sensitive/Holiday Prayer Requests
- Pray for our Church Anniversary Celebration, that it would be a great time of reflecting on God’s faithfulness as well as an opportunity to be inspired for the future.
- Pray for the Newcomers Class, that it would be a wonderful time of getting to know people new to our church family.
- Pray for the Church Budget Planning Process, that leaders would approach prayerfully and with wisdom.
- Pray for the Vacation Bible School Volunteers, that they may be strengthened, inspired, and equipped as they communicate God’s love to these students.
- Pray for our Vacation Bible School Students, that they would understand the love of God and want to live their lives for Him.
- Pray for our Youth Camp, that they would encounter God in powerful ways and be transformed by the renewing of their mind.
- Pray for the Worship Night, that it would be a meaningful and blessed time with the Lord.
- Pray for the Baptism Service, that it would be a special time for our church to celebrate these decisions for Christ.
- Pray for the Holy Week Services, that it may be a beautiful time of reflection on what Jesus Christ has done for us.
- Pray for the Easter Service, that it would communicate the hope and glory of Jesus Christ to all who attend.
- Pray for Mother’s Day, that it would be a wonderful celebration, and that the Lord would provide peace and comfort for those who find the day challenging.
- Pray for Father’s Day, that it would honor fatherhood, and that God would give peace to those who struggle with Father’s Day celebrations.
- Pray for our Back-to-School event, that students, teachers, and school staff may be blessed as they prepare for the upcoming year.
- Pray for our Thanksgiving service, that it would foster a heart of gratitude to the Lord.
- Pray for our Christmas services, that each one would communicate the gift that the Lord is to our lives.
Prayer Requests for Others
Praying for others in the church should be a priority as well, though it may be overlooked. We have the opportunity to pray for others in a variety of ways.
While not everyone will identify with each request, it is a great way to expand who and what your church prayers for. Ask your prayer warriors to be thinking about who they can pray for beyond who they know.
As with the other lists, it is perfectly fine not to use all 52 if they don’t fit with your church. You can pare the list down to 26 and repeat most of them twice throughout the year. The more date-sensitive ones are at the end of the list.
- Pray for those struggling with spiritual doubts, that God would answer those doubts and strengthen their faith.
- Pray for individuals facing financial hardships, that they would see God’s provision.
- Pray for students from our church, that they may stand firm in their faith.
- Pray for those recovering from addiction, that they may find freedom and new life in Christ.
- Pray for estranged families, that they may find reconciliation and forgiveness.
- Pray for those who are lonely, that they may find belonging.
- Pray that children in our community would hear the Gospel and choose Christ.
- Pray for those struggling with chronic illness, to find strength, comfort, and healing in the Lord.
- Pray for church’s missionaries who serve in undisclosed countries, for their protection and effectiveness.
- Pray for persecuted Christians, that the Lord would grant strength and wisdom.
- Pray for parents of prodigal children, that they would trust their children to God’s care.
- Pray for caregivers, that they would find strength and compassion in the Lord.
- Pray for those facing unemployment, that they will see God’s provision for their needs.
- Pray for teachers and educators as they make a difference in the lives of their students.
- Pray for military personnel and their families, for their protection and provision.
- Pray for young couples to find encouragement and support from other Christians.
- Pray for encouragement for those struggling with burdens today.
- Pray for families facing financial struggles, that they would see God’s provision even in difficult times.
- Pray for people who do not have a Bible in their own language, that the work of Bible translation will be completed soon.
- Pray for individuals struggling with addiction, that they would experience freedom in Christ.
- Pray for students who are struggling academically, that they would be encouraged today as they persevere.
- Pray for individuals who are grieving, that they may be comforted today.
- Pray for those facing spiritual attacks, that God would strengthen them.
- Pray for individuals facing homelessness, that they would find support.
- Pray for those who are weary, that they would be renewed.
- Pray for individuals facing uncertainty, that they will find their peace in the Lord.
- Pray for people to use their talents and gifts to serve the Lord for His purposes.
- Pray for those who are nervous about attending church for the first time, that they will feel welcome and at peace.
- Pray for healthcare workers, that they would have strength as they serve others.
- Pray for widows, that they will see God’s comfort and provision in their lives.
- Pray for those who don’t know the Lord yet, that they will turn to Him.
- Pray for our government leaders, that they would make good decisions that honor the Lord.
- Pray for parents to encourage their children in the Lord.
- Pray for younger Christians to be mentored by older Christians.
- Pray for children who do not have parents, that they would be placed in safe and loving families.
- Pray for those seeking direction, that the Lord would guide them toward His will.
- Pray for the first responders in our community, that they would be safe, and serve with integrity.
- Pray for those who are ill, that they may be healed.
- Pray for those who have deep hurts, that the Lord would bring complete healing and keep them from bitterness.
- Pray for those who have walked away from God, that they would return to Him.
- Pray for people who feel unloved, that they will see Christ’s love in their lives.
- Pray for our city, that we would see hearts revived and living for Christ.
- Pray for opportunities to share the hope of Christ with others.
Time-Sensitive/Holiday Prayer Requests
- Pray for all New Year’s resolutions and goals to honor the Lord.
- Pray for graduates as they make decisions about their future.
- Pray for our country to honor the Lord.
- Pray for safety during the holiday weekend.
- Pray for teachers planning for a new school year.
- Pray for students who are starting at a new school.
- Pray for those who are lonely during the holiday season.
- Pray for safety for those who are traveling.
- Pray for those who have a difficult time at Christmas.
Prayer Requests for A Christian’s Walk with God
Finally, we come to a section of the church prayer list that is meant to be godly characteristics and circumstances that you pray for yourself. These prayer requests are meant to support you in your walk with God.
This gives the person praying from the church prayer list an opportunity to pray through a different trait each week, maybe even praying something for their walk with God that they haven’t prayed before.
Each of these prayer requests is accompanied by a Bible verse. This can encourage the person praying to look up Scripture and spend more time in God’s Word.
This is another opportunity to choose the traits you want to emphasize. If you don’t want to use all 52, choose to include half of them then start your list over again.
- Pray to understand God’s love more. (Ephesians 3:19)
- Pray to have a grateful heart. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
- Pray to have a compassionate heart. (Colossians 3:12)
- Pray to be humble. (Philippians 2:3)
- Pray to be content. (1 Timothy 6:6)
- Pray for courage, knowing that God is with you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- Pray for joy from the Lord. (Romans 15:13)
- Pray to have a servant’s heart. (Mark 10:45)
- Pray for patience in waiting on God’s will. (Isaiah 40:31)
- Pray for discernment in decision-making. (Psalm 32:8)
- Pray to have a pure heart. (Matthew 5:8)
- Pray for perseverance. (Galatians 6:9)
- Pray for a worshipful heart. (John 4:23)
- Pray to be more thankful each day. (Psalm 136:1)
- Pray that you will seek God with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
- Pray to obey God wholeheartedly. (John 14:15)
- Pray for protection from spiritual attacks. (1 Peter 5:8)
- Pray to be bold in telling others about Christ. (Acts 4:31)
- Pray to be abundant in the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Pray to long for righteousness. (Matthew 5:6)
- Pray to have a forgiving heart. (Mark 11:25)
- Pray to see God’s provision. (Philippians 4:19)
- Pray that God would help you work toward His purposes. (Ephesians 2:10)
- Pray that you will live a life of surrender. (Luke 9:23)
- Pray that you will honor God with the gifts He has given you. (1 Peter 4:10)
- Pray that you would seek God’s priorities. (Proverbs 16:3)
- Pray that you would treat others as you would want to be treated. (Matthew 7:12)
- Pray that you would have a willing and generous heart. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Pray that you would trust God with your burdens. (1 Peter 5:7)
- Pray to be a good witness wherever you are. (Matthew 5:16)
- Pray to find your strength in the Lord. (Ephesians 6:10)
- Pray that you will seek and find God’s forgiveness of your sins. (1 John 1:9)
- Pray for God’s mercy and grace during trials. (Hebrews 4:16)
- Pray to lay aside sin and walk with God. (Hebrews 12:1)
- Pray for discernment, that you would not be led astray. (1 John 4:1)
- Pray for God’s comfort during trials. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- Pray for God to give you wisdom. (James 1:5)
- Pray for God’s strength in your weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Pray to trust in the Lord, and not your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Pray for patience with others. (Ephesians 4:2)
- Pray for spiritual growth. (1 Peter 2:2-3)
- Pray for strength when you are tempted. (Matthew 26:41)
- Pray for rest in the Lord. (Matthew 11:28)
- Pray for guidance over your career decisions. (Proverbs 4:5)
- Pray for discernment in friendships. (Proverbs 13:20)
- Pray to have a heart of integrity. (Proverbs 11:3)
- Pray for compassion for the suffering. (Matthew 9:35-36)
- Pray for peace and reconciliation in broken relationships. (Hebrews 12:14)
- Pray for Jesus’ peace in troubled times. (John 14:27)
- Pray to persevere in prayer. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Pray for unity in your relationships. (Psalm 133:1)
- Pray to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:2)
Church Prayer List Examples Free Downloadable .PDF
Now that you’ve read over 150 prayer requests that you can use for your church prayer list in church bulletins, a church newsletter, for your prayer team or prayer meeting, you might be looking for a handy way to access them.
This free .pdf is available for download, just click through here or click on the picture below.
You can refer to it when you are planning your prayer time for yourself or for church use, or you can copy and paste from it as it is an unflattened .pdf, available for your personal or ministry use.
Managing a church prayer list can feel like a large task, but it is an important one that can help disciple people in prayer, leading them to spiritual growth.
If you are challenged on how to efficiently and responsibly handle the other personal prayer requests that come your way, our article on “How to Write a Prayer Request” may be helpful to you.
It has great tips for handling sensitive information and other best practices that can arise when you are managing an urgent prayer request for members of the church.
Incorporating prayer requests like the ones in this article can help expand the prayer life of the people of your church. Prayerfully consider praying beyond only the present circumstances and urgent prayer requests, and find ways to include prayer requests over the church, other people, and one’s own walk with God.
If you liked reading Church Prayer List, you may also like Prayer Points for Church Service, Sunday Prayers for Church, and Prayer Points for Prayer Meetings.
