As I stand on the foundation of scriptures, I commit to lifting our leaders in prayer, invoking the Almighty’s wisdom, protection, and grace upon them.
For in strengthening them, we fortify our spiritual community, and through united prayer, we reflect the essence of Christ’s love.
Join me in this journey, as we dive deep into powerful Scriptures to Pray for Church Leaders who lead and inspire us.
What does the Bible say about Praying for Church Leaders?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of praying for leaders, including those who lead in church contexts. Here are several passages that highlight this principle:
- 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”
While this passage encourages believers to pray for all in authority (which would encompass civil rulers and leaders),
it also encompasses church leaders by extension, as they also hold positions of authority within the body of believers.
- Hebrews 13:17-18 (NIV)
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.
Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.”
The author of Hebrews directly asks for prayer, emphasizing the mutual benefit of praying for leaders so their work is joyful and effective for the church community.
- Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
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, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
Here, the Apostle Paul, who was one of the early church leaders in the early Christian movement, requests prayer so that he can boldly proclaim the Gospel.
This gives a model for Christians to pray for their leaders’ effectiveness in ministry.
- Colossians 4:2-4 (NIV)
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”
Again, Paul seeks prayer for his ministry and its success.
These scriptures and others make it clear that believers are called to uphold their leaders in prayer.
Praying for church leaders supports them in their God-given roles, promotes unity in the body of believers, and contributes to the effectiveness of the church’s mission.
Importance of Praying for Church Leaders.
Praying for church leaders is crucial for various reasons, and it can profoundly impact their ministries in several ways:
- Spiritual Warfare:
Church leaders often face spiritual challenges, both externally and internally.
Prayer serves as a protective shield against temptations, discouragements, and attacks from the enemy. By praying, we fortify our leaders against these challenges, helping them stay strong in their mission.
- Wisdom and Direction:
Leading a congregation or a ministry requires making numerous decisions.
Praying for our leaders ensures that they receive divine wisdom and discernment, ensuring that they are led by God’s purpose and not their own understanding.
- Physical and Emotional Strength:
Pastoral and church roles can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining.
By lifting them up in prayer, we ask God to renew their strength, helping them maintain their well-being and joy in their calling.
- Unity:
A church’s effectiveness can be hindered by divisions and misunderstandings.
Praying for our leaders promotes unity within the church, ensuring that leaders work in harmony with one another and the congregation.
- Open Doors:
Prayers can pave the way for new opportunities in ministry, allowing church leaders to expand their influence, reach more people, and have a more significant impact on communities and even nations.
- Encouragement:
Knowing that they are being prayed for can be a tremendous source of encouragement for leaders.
It reminds them that they are not alone in their mission and that they have the backing and support of their congregation.
- Growth and Fruitfulness:
For any ministry to thrive and bear fruit, God’s grace is essential. Our prayers can invite God’s blessings, ensuring that church leaders’ efforts result in the growth and transformation of lives.
- Accountability:
Regularly praying for our church leaders also instills in us a sense of responsibility. As we pray, we become more attentive to their needs and more proactive in supporting them.
Here are 75 Scriptures to Pray for Church Leaders.
1. Pray for Church Leaders Spiritual Strength.
1. Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
2. Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
3. 2 Samuel 22:33
God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
4. Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
5. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
6. Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
7. Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
8. Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
9. Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
10. Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
11. Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12. 1 Timothy 1:12
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13. 2 Timothy 4:17
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
14. Hebrews 13:20-21
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Make you perfect 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 glory for ever and ever. Amen.
15. 1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
2. Pray for Church Leaders Wisdom and Guidance.
16. James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
17. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
18. Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
19. Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
20. Ephesians 1:17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
21. Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
22. Colossians 1:9
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
23. John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
24. Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
25. Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
26. Psalm 25:9
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
27. Isaiah 58:11
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
28. 1 Corinthians 2:16
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
29. Proverbs 4:11
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
30. Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
Prayers for Protection and Safety.
31. Psalm 91:1-2
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
32. Psalm 121:7-8
“The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
33. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
34. Psalm 3:3
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
35. Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
36. Psalm 5:11
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
37. Psalm 140:1
Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
38. John 17:15
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
39. Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
40. Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
41. Psalm 20:1
The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee.
42. Psalm 59:1
Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
43. 2 Samuel 22:3-4
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
44. Psalm 32:7
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
45. Psalm 144:2
My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
Pray for Boldness and Courage.
46. Acts 4:29-30
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
47. Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
48. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
49. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
50. Ephesians 6:19-20
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
51. Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
52. Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
53. Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
54. Acts 28:31
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
55. Philippians 1:14
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
56. Hebrews 13:6
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
57. Ephesians 3:12
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
58. Proverbs 3:25-26
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
59. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8
Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
60. Psalm 138:3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
Pray for Fruitfulness and Impact.
61. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
62. Ephesians 4:11-12
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
63. Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
64. Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
65. James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
66. Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
67. Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
68. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.
69. Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
70. Colossians 4:2-3
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.
71. Psalm 91:11
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
72. Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
73. 2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
74. 1 Peter 5:2-4
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
75. James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
Conclusion
Church leaders hold significant roles, guiding and shepherding their congregations.
It’s essential for the church community to uplift them in prayer, asking for wisdom, strength, and discernment as they lead.
The Scriptures provide a rich foundation for such prayers, emphasizing the need for God’s guidance, protection, and grace.
By regularly praying these Scriptures for our leaders, we support their spiritual well-being, promote unity within the church, and align ourselves with God’s purpose and plan for His kingdom.
Let us remain diligent in our commitment to intercede for our leaders, trusting that God hears and responds to our heartfelt petitions.
