Pastors need the support of their congregation. One of the best ways you can support them is to pray for them, that the Lord would provide the many needs they have each day as they minister to others.
Praying the Word of God over them is a great way to lift them up to the Lord, as you use Bible verses to guide you to pray for godly characteristics and priorities for pastors.
These 31 scriptures to pray for your pastor can be a wonderful way to encourage pastors in their ministry, their walk with God, and their personal life.
Don’t miss the free printable of 31 scriptures to pray for your pastor at the end of this article!
Why Should I Pray for My Pastor, and Why Pray Scripture?
Pastors may seem like they have a great job. And they do! There is a lot of joy and fulfillment in leading, teaching, and encouraging others in service to the Lord.
But being a pastor can also be difficult. Being a spiritual influence in the lives of others leaves them open to spiritual attack. The schedule of the pastor can be demanding, making it difficult to find time to rest.
Pastors can also face discouragement from unrealistic expectations, unfair criticism, or as people fall away from the church and their walk with God.
Supporting them in prayer is a wonderful blessing to them. Whether or not you share that you are praying for them is up to you – it can be a source of encouragement to them. But it can also be a faithful way you silently bless your pastor and your church.
Whether it’s Pastor Appreciation Day or Clergy Appreciation Month, or any other day of the year, it’s a great time to start praying for your pastor.
Using scriptures to pray for your pastor is a great way to start praying. It helps you know that you are praying in line with God’s priorities, as you pray (in context) a Bible verse for your pastor. It is also a good way to pray for different aspects of your pastor’s life.
How do you pray Scripture for your pastor, or anyone else? Let’s take a look at Romans 8:28.
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”
One way is to find a place to put the person’s name in the Bible verse. In this case, let’s say you are praying for Pastor Jim.
You might pray, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, like Pastor Jim, for those who are called according to his purpose. Please work together everything for Pastor Jim as he loves You and is called by You.”
Or you could just use the Bible verse as a starting point for prayer. “Lord, I know that Pastor Jim loves you. I see that in his life and know He wants to honor You. He is facing a lot of challenges right now. I pray that You would work all things together for his good. Please encourage Pastor Jim today.”
Is this the only way to pray? Of course not. Pastors are blessed by any sincere prayer that you make for them. While “please bless my pastor” is a simple prayer, it doesn’t make it a bad prayer.
However, we often crave some variety in our quiet time, so praying different scriptures can be helpful.
It can also help correct our imperfect hearts. If you find yourself critical or upset with someone, praying for them is a great way for God to tear down the resentment in your own heart.
So instead of praying “Lord, stop Pastor Jim from only singing the new worship songs,” you might pray through Colossians 3:23-24.
“And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
That Bible verse could inspire you to pray, “Lord, I thank You for Pastor Jim. May he work heartily for You, and not for men. Give him wisdom for this matter that means so much to me. I pray that he would honor You with this decision, and not just serve the preferences of any one person, including me. Help me to surrender this matter to You.”
Pastors are imperfect people who are called to lead a group of imperfect people. While we as Christians have the Holy Spirit in our lives, we don’t always act that way. Using scriptures to pray for your pastor can strengthen your pastor for whatever the day holds.
31 Scriptures to Pray for Your Pastor
As you look for scriptures to pray for your pastor, we’ve come up with 31 Bible verses that can help you start this helpful prayer habit.
This list of 31 Scriptures to pray for your pastor is long, but can be covered in a month by taking a verse or two each day and praying through them for your pastor.
You can add additional scriptures to pray for your pastor as you come across them in Bible study and other Bible reading. Just be careful not to take the verse out of context.
If you aren’t sure, you can read the entire chapter to make sure it means the same thing in the chapter that it does when you read it by itself.
Find the helpful printable with these Bible references at the end of this article.
Praying for Pastor’s Spiritual Strength and Guidance
Most pastors may not work as physically hard at their jobs as someone on a construction site or in a warehouse, but they may face a multitude of difficult circumstances each day.
In one day, pastors can face a meeting with an angry parishioner, a crisis counseling appointment with a couple headed towards divorce, a hospital visit to a dying church member, all while navigating a schedule of sermon prep, event planning, and discipleship training.
The mental and spiritual load on pastors can weigh heavily on them. Supporting them by praying for their strength, guidance, integrity and service is a great way to bless your pastors.
Prayer to Bless Your Pastor’s Work
1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.”
Heavenly Father,
I pray for my pastors, that they would be blessed today, as they labor in the word and in teaching. Help them to lead well. May they be respected in their efforts and not discouraged. Bless the work of their hands!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer to Glorify God
Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.”
O Lord,
I pray for my pastors, that they would glorify God today in whatever they do. May their words and deeds be done for Your glory. Help them to be thankful in You today. May they do all that they do through You!
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Prayer to Rely on God’s Word
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
O God,
I thank You for Your Word! And I thank you for our pastors, who are entrusted in teaching Your Word to our church. May their sermons be filled with the power of God’s Word. Your Word is so powerful, not just words in a book but living and active. May You bless their teachings as they faithfully teach Your Word.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer to be Equipped for Ministry
Hebrews 13:20-21: “Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Dear God,
I thank You for our pastors. I pray that You will equip them for every good word to do Your will! Please work in them to do that which is well pleasing in Your sight. May You be glorified in their ministry and their lives today.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Prayer for Integrity in Ministry
1 Peter 5:2-3 “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.”
Dear Lord,
I thank You for our pastors. May they serve with integrity, serving You and not themselves. Help them to shepherd the flock wisely. Show them how to use the power and influence that they hold for Your purposes. May they be a Christian example to others.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for Strength for Each Day
Ephesians 3:16: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man.”
Dear God,
I am thankful for our pastors. I pray that You would grant them, according to the riches of Your glory, strength with power through the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Wisdom and Discernment
James 1:5 “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Dear God,
Our pastors have so many responsibilities! I thank You for their hard work.
Please equip them with wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that will affect the direction of the church. May they ask wisdom from You and receive it liberally.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Praying for Pastor’s Ministry and Leadership
The relationships that pastors build with the congregation and the community are crucial to ministry.
Pastors need to be trustworthy for people to trust the teaching of God’s Word. They must have compassion for others to reflect the mercy and grace found in Jesus Christ. They need to treat others as they would want to be treated, all while holding true to the Word of God.
Pastors aren’t going to please all of the people all of the time; they aren’t even going to please any of the people all the time! Not everyone is naturally a good fit together, but the Lord has brought these people together as a church family at this point in time.
Praying for pastors as they minister to church members, interact with other church staff and spiritual leaders, and connect with the community outside of the church is a great way to support your pastors. Use these prayers as you pray for their pastoral ministry.
Prayer for Pastor’s Ministry to Church Members
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 “But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”
Dear Lord,
We thank you for our pastors. They work so hard as they serve You in our church and in the community.
I pray that You would help our church to respect our spiritual leaders as they lead with integrity. Unite us together and help us to be at peace among ourselves. May our church family bless each other and not discourage each other.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for Pastors and Church Leaders
Acts 20:28 “Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.”
Dear Lord,
I am grateful to You for our pastors. They are such a blessing to our church.
I pray for them as they work together with the other church leaders, whether it be board members, volunteers, or administrators. Help them all to strive for Your purposes as they shepherd Your assembly.
May they work together in unity and harmony as they further the Kingdom of God.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Pastor and Church Staff
Ephesians 4:11-12 “He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ.”
O God,
I pray today for our pastors and the other church staff. They each have their own purpose from You to fill, whether they are sharing the Good News of the Gospel, teaching Your Word, building disciples, or fulfilling some other important role.
I pray that You will help each of them to be able to concentrate on what You have called them to today. I pray that they will serve out of the gifts that You have given them, while also stepping up to the challenges that You have given them.
Please help all of their work come together to build up the body of Christ!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Unity in Ministry
1 Corinthians 1:10 “Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Dear God,
I pray for unity in our church family. May there be no divisions among us, but that we would be of the same mind and judgment.
I pray for our pastors as they lead us in unity. May they also be united in You. May disagreements be handled with love, kindness, and respect.
May our church glorify You with our unity!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Perseverance in Ministry
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.”
O Lord,
I pray for our pastors, that You would encourage them to persevere in the ministry that You have given them.
May they faithfully preach Your Word, always being prepared to share the hope they find in You. May they wisely reprove, rebuke, and exhort others.
I pray that You would give them the strength to do what You have called them to do today.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for Faithfulness to God’s Calling
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
O Father God,
I pray for our pastors, that they will be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work.
May they know that their labor is not in vain as they work to serve You.
Please bless them as they serve You today!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Faithfulness to God’s Word
Colossians 1:28 “We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
Dear Lord,
I pray for our pastors, that they would proclaim Your Word faithfully. May they accurately teach Your Word. May their wisdom come from You and not the world.
I pray that they would be blessed with wisdom and discernment as they study Your Word, especially as they teach it. May Your Word be precious to them,
I ask these things in the name of Jesus,
Amen.
Prayer for Ministry Resources
Matthew 9:37-38 “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.'”
Dear Lord,
I see our pastors work so hard, whether it’s one-on-one meetings or events with hundreds of people.
I pray for resources for them as they plan these events that need prayer, donations, and volunteers. Please help people to be open to giving what You have called them to give. I pray that these events would be blessed with many helpful volunteers.
Please send our laborers for the harvest You have provided!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Praying for the Pastor’s Spiritual Growth and Protection
Pastors are leaders, but they are also people who are learning and growing in the Lord. Praying for their spiritual life, independent of how it affects you, is a beautiful way to serve them.
A pastor’s closer walk with God often does benefit the church, but it might mean that they are not immediately available as they spend time with the Lord. Pray for the time that pastors need to dive into God’s Word personally, without having to think about how to preach it.
Pastors are often targets of spiritual attack as they help others turn away from sin. Praying for spiritual protection for them is necessary as they wage war against evil spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12).
Prayer for the Pastor’s Walk with God
2 Timothy 2:15 “Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.”
Dear Lord,
I see our pastors as they walk with You, and I know it is an example to me as well as others. I pray that You would bless them in their Christian walk.
May they be a faithful servant of You, properly handling the Word of Truth. May they be diligent in their quiet time, in their Bible study, and their obedience to Your Word.
May they grow closer to You each day!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for a Hedge of Protection
Psalm 91:1-2 ESV “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
O Lord,
I pray for a hedge of protection around my pastors. May You be their fortress and their refuge. May they abide in Your shelter.
Please protect them from unfair criticism from people, and from spiritual oppression. May they stay strong in You each day and work to honor You.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for the Pastor’s Focus on God
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Dear Lord,
I pray for our pastors today, that they would seek You first.
Help them to put all other agendas aside, whether it is their own plans or the demands of others.
May they see Your provision as You give them everything that they need.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Praying for the Full Armor of God for Your Pastor
Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
(Note: For a more thorough view of the armor of God, read the whole passage in Ephesians 6:10-18.)
Dear Lord,
I pray for our pastors, that they would be strong in You. May they put on Your spiritual armor each day, that they would be able to stand up against spiritual attack.
May they put on truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, and salvation, praying at all times. Help them to be watchful and to persevere.
I ask these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for a Life of Love
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Dear God,
I pray for our pastors. May they demonstrate lives of love, loving others as Christ loves us.
When it is difficult to love someone, I pray that they will love others by the strength of Your love.
May our church be known for being a loving church.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Prayer For Humility
Philippians 2:3-4 “Doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.”
Dear Lord,
I pray for our pastors, that they would be humble in their words and deeds, just as all of us should be.
Please correct their hearts when they are tempted to do something out of rivalry or conceit. May they think of others as better than themselves. May they show empathy and compassion as they look out for other people.
May our church honor You with our humble attitudes and actions.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for a Transformed Life
Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
O Lord,
I pray for our pastors. May they live holy lives, not conformed by the influences of the world.
Transform and renew their minds each day, that they may prove what is Your good, well-pleasing, and perfect will.
May this help them in their ministry to others, that they would encourage other Christians to live holy lives.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Praying for Encouragement and Support for the Pastor
When everything is going well at church, people are often complimentary of the pastors. They love the preaching, the songs, the fellowship – everything is great!
But when a church is struggling or being challenged in some way, some people will blame the pastors. Whether it’s decreasing attendance, lower donations, or dissatisfaction with an aspect of the church’s ministry, there are those who say it must be the fault of the pastor.
While pastors aren’t perfect, it’s best to assume that they are working from a place of wanting to love God’s people and help them grow in Him. It’s realistic to say that usually everything isn’t the pastor’s fault.
Because of this aspect of church ministry, it is important to offer encouragement and support by praying for the pastors. They can use encouragement from others, but most importantly, from the Lord.
Prayer for Encouragement from the Lord
Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Dear Lord,
Our pastors work so hard to serve You here at this church. I am thankful for them.
When they face discouragement, I pray that You would fill them with all joy and peace in believing, that they would abound in hope.
May they have power by the Holy Spirit to trust in You and Your provision for the day ahead of them.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Support from the Church Family
Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Dear God,
I am thankful for those who help me bear my burdens, helping me to trust You as I cast my cares upon You.
I pray for my pastors, that they will also have the support of the congregation when they are going through difficult times. May we bear each other’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.
Thank You for a church family that supports each other in our Christian walk.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Perseverance in Hard Times
Acts 12:5 “Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.”
Dear Lord,
While our pastors might not be facing the same challenges that the Apostle Paul faced in prison, they do experience trials large and small in their lives.
I pray that You would help them persevere in hard times. May they be strengthened by the prayers of the church. Help us to remain faithful in prayer for them.
Please encourage them today and give them rest.
In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen.
Praying for the Pastor’s Personal and Family Life
Pastors are more than their job. They often are married and have kids. They have friends outside of the church, as well as other interests and hobbies.
Being able to see pastors as people outside of the position held at church can help you pray more compassionately for them. You have needs and concerns outside of your job and your church volunteer positions, and they do as well.
Spend time in prayer for them for these important aspects of their personal and family lives.
Prayer for the Pastor’s Wife
Proverbs 31:10-12 “Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”
Dear God,
I thank You for the pastor’s wife. She is a blessing to our pastor, and to the church.
Strengthen her as she continues to support her husband in his ministry. Give her wisdom as she navigates difficult situations.
Draw her closer to You each day, and give her encouragement.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for the Pastor’s Family
Joshua 24:15 ESV “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Dear God,
I am grateful for the pastors of this church, as they lead their families to follow You. They disciple their families to serve the Lord.
I pray that You would bless the family with harmony, that they would be united in love and in serving You. Please protect the family, and keep them from any harm.
May our church be a blessing to their family!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for the Pastor’s Kids
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Dear Lord,
I want to lift up the pastor’s kids to you in prayer. With all the stereotypes about being a pastor’s kid, I pray that they can live away from that shadow and develop their personal walk with You without the pressure of assumptions from others.
They have been brought up in righteousness in the church and at home; may they not depart from it. Help them to grow in their faith, and know Your mercy and love.
Please bless them today!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Comfort During Trials
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Dear Lord,
I know our pastors go through hard times, just like everyone else. May You be a comfort to them in times of trials. Remind them of Your presence no matter what they are facing.
May You use their trials for your purposes, that they would be able to comfort others who are walking the same difficult steps they have taken.
Bless them with Your peace today!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for the Financial Needs of Your Pastor
Philippians 4:19 “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Dear Lord,
I am so grateful that You provide all of our needs.
I pray that the pastors will see Your provision in their lives. May they know Your abundant riches in providing for what they need and even sometimes what we want.
Thank You for the opportunity to depend on You for what we need!
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer for Physical Strength
Isaiah 40:31 NASB1995 “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
Dear Father,
I thank You that we do not need to operate on our own strength, that we can wait on You for our strength.
Help our pastors to find the physical strength they need for what You have called them to do. Bless them with good health and opportunities for healthy choices. Please provide them with medical care as they need it.
Help others to come alongside them so that they don’t need to do everything on their own.
Thank You for Your merciful provision!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Find these prayers helpful? The first 5 prayers are in a video on our YouTube channel.
Free Printable Guide of 31 Scriptures to Pray for Your Pastor
This printable 31 Scriptures to Pray for Your Pastor is a great way to start praying for your pastor. It’s good for any time of the year, but it’s also perfect for Clergy Appreciation Month or Pastor Appreciation Month, which is usually in October of each year.
It can be a good way to encourage others to pray for pastors during difficult times. You can also bless pastors during their anniversary month by committing to pray for them. That can be a nice message to include in a pastor appreciation card as well.
Feel free to print this .pdf for your church, or send them to this post. They are also a good tool for your own personal prayer time.
You can download it here. We’re directly linking you to the file to make it easier for people to access and use. Please don’t share the file or sell the file; rather, send the link to this article. To keep up on other helpful church resources, subscribe to our newsletter using the subscription form.
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The pastor’s role is a challenging yet rewarding one. They are responsible for guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of their congregation, while also providing comfort and support during difficult times.
Pastors often face unique challenges and pressures, but they are not alone. The church community can offer encouragement, support, and prayer, helping pastors to persevere and fulfill their calling.
Praying for pastors is a powerful way to show true support and care. By lifting up pastors in prayer, the church body can help them to remain faithful, encouraged, and effective in their ministry. Praying for the pastors you know can be a fruitful addition to your prayer life.
If you liked 31 Scriptures to Pray for Your Pastor, you may also enjoy Prayer for Church Leaders and Inspirational Words for Pastor Appreciation.