We pray for our families. We pray for our finances. We pray for healing and strength in times of crisis. But how often do we pause and pray for the people God has placed in spiritual leadership over us—our pastors, elders, and church leaders?
Most Christians would agree that pastors carry a heavy load. But far fewer regularly pray for them. And yet, if the enemy can discourage, distract, or destroy the shepherds, the sheep will scatter. Scripture teaches that those who lead in the church are held to a high standard and endure constant spiritual battles—not just for their own lives, but for the sake of those they lead.
If you want a healthy church, a vibrant spiritual life, and a powerful witness to the world—pray for your pastor.
1. Pastors Are Human, Too
It’s easy to forget that pastors are people just like us. They have families, weaknesses, battles, and bad days. They deal with exhaustion, criticism, temptation, and the weight of spiritual responsibility. They are not superhuman. They are not immune. They are men and women called by God, filled with His Spirit, and yet still in desperate need of His daily grace.
Paul, arguably the greatest church leader in history, often asked believers to pray for him. In Ephesians 6:19, he writes, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” If Paul needed prayer, how much more do our local pastors?
2. The Spiritual Weight They Carry Is Heavy
Hebrews 13:17 says church leaders “keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.” That’s not a metaphor. It’s a sacred trust. Pastors are tasked with shepherding the spiritual lives of others, teaching the Word faithfully, offering correction with wisdom, and guiding the church in alignment with God’s purposes.
Every time they step up to preach, counsel, or lead, they stand in a battlefield. The enemy wants to silence them, shame them, distract them, or make them quit. And many do. Burnout is real. So is spiritual attack. And often, they carry it quietly.
One of the greatest gifts you can give your pastor is not just appreciation—but intercession.
3. Church Unity Depends on Prayer
One of the most common tactics of the enemy is division—between leaders and congregations, between staff members, between churches and their mission. But unity is essential for the Spirit to move in power.
Jesus Himself prayed in John 17 that His followers would be one, “so that the world may believe.” Unity fuels our witness. And unity comes through humility, forgiveness, and—yes—prayer.
When you pray for your church leadership, you help guard against the spirit of criticism and offense. You become part of the spiritual covering that keeps your church aligned with heaven. Prayer silences gossip. Prayer corrects the heart. Prayer builds bridges.
4. What Should We Pray For?
If you want to support your pastor and church leadership in prayer but don’t know where to start, here are several biblical and practical focuses:
a. Pray for Spiritual Protection
Ask God to guard them from temptation, discouragement, spiritual attack, and burnout.
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” —2 Thessalonians 3:3
b. Pray for Wisdom and Discernment
Pray that they make decisions aligned with God’s will and Word.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given him.” —James 1:5
c. Pray for Their Families
Pastors’ spouses and children often face unique pressures. Pray for joy, protection, and strength in their homes.
d. Pray for Anointing in Preaching and Teaching
Ask God to give them clarity, boldness, and revelation every time they open the Word.
e. Pray for Encouragement and Rest
Leadership can be lonely. Pray that God would refresh their soul and surround them with trusted friendships.
f. Pray for Vision and Courage
Pray that your leaders would hear God clearly and boldly follow His leading, even when it’s difficult.
5. How Often Should You Pray for Them?
Regularly. Faithfully. Passionately.
Make it part of your weekly rhythm. Set reminders. Write their names in your journal. Create a group that prays intentionally for church leadership. If your leaders knew how often you prayed for them, would they be encouraged?
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 urges believers to “respect those who labor among you… esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” One way we show that love is by standing in the gap spiritually.
6. What Happens When You Pray for Church Leadership?
- Your heart changes. You become more supportive, less critical, more aligned with God’s heart.
- Your church strengthens. As leadership thrives spiritually, so does the congregation.
- The kingdom advances. Bold, protected, Spirit-led leaders are better equipped to reach the lost, serve the hurting, and build up the saints.
- God moves. Prayer is not passive. It’s power released. When we pray for our pastors, heaven listens.
7. Don’t Just Pray—Encourage
After you pray, tell them. Send a note. Speak a word of blessing. Let them know you’re standing with them. Most pastors hear more complaints than compliments. Your encouragement could be the fuel they need to keep going.
Hebrews 10:24–25 tells us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Encouragement, like prayer, is spiritual warfare.
Conclusion: Lift Up Their Arms
In Exodus 17, when Moses grew weary during battle, Aaron and Hur held up his arms so the people of God could prevail. Your pastor may be tired. Your elders may be under pressure. The staff may be quietly fighting battles they can’t speak of.
Be the one who holds up their arms.
Be the one who intercedes.
Be the one who prays when no one else sees.
Your prayers matter. Your voice carries weight in heaven. And when the church surrounds its leaders with prayer, the gates of hell will not prevail.
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
—1 Timothy 5:17
So pray. Bless. Support.
Because when you strengthen your leaders, you strengthen your church.
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