Guide to Pray for Your Pastor
There are three reasons why you should pray for your pastor:
#1 Love: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfi l the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). When you pray for your pastor, you are helping him bear the burden of the ministry. You are showing your love for him, and thereby obeying the greatest commandment—the law of love.
#2 Humility: Intercessory prayer focuses on his needs. This kind of prayer will break the chains of pride that keep so many people from becoming what they could be in God. You will be submitting yourself to him in the true biblical sense, which produces tremendous power.
#3 Unity: Praying for your pastor—his personal and ministerial needs—will bind your heart together with his. As you promote the work of the kingdom and unite with your pastor in his vision for your church and city, you will become a vessel for the Spirit to move through. It was this kind of unity that preceded the first revival of the New Testament church—the Day of Pentecost.
The burden of today’s ministers is a heavy one. But you can help your pastor fulfi ll his God-given call through intercessory prayer. The greatest gift you can give your pastor is prayer.
Dearest Saint, Here are 14 specific areas of focused prayer. If you could sincerely touch the throne on his behalf and pray over three of those areas daily, then he would receive excellent prayer coverage. I believe this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.
#1 Love: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfi l the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). When you pray for your pastor, you are helping him bear the burden of the ministry. You are showing your love for him, and thereby obeying the greatest commandment—the law of love.
#2 Humility: Intercessory prayer focuses on his needs. This kind of prayer will break the chains of pride that keep so many people from becoming what they could be in God. You will be submitting yourself to him in the true biblical sense, which produces tremendous power.
#3 Unity: Praying for your pastor—his personal and ministerial needs—will bind your heart together with his. As you promote the work of the kingdom and unite with your pastor in his vision for your church and city, you will become a vessel for the Spirit to move through. It was this kind of unity that preceded the first revival of the New Testament church—the Day of Pentecost.
The burden of today’s ministers is a heavy one. But you can help your pastor fulfi ll his God-given call through intercessory prayer. The greatest gift you can give your pastor is prayer.
Dearest Saint, Here are 14 specific areas of focused prayer. If you could sincerely touch the throne on his behalf and pray over three of those areas daily, then he would receive excellent prayer coverage. I believe this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.
PASTORAL PRAYER GUIDE
FOR PASTOR’S PERSONAL PRAYER NEEDS
Humility: Lord, let my Pastor Snyder walk humbly with You, seek Your will, and receive divine direction in all things (Micah 6:8).
I pray that his heart would be strong in the midst of trials and accusations and that he would commit himself into the hands of Him who judges righteously (I Peter 2:23). I pray that he learns and grows through every circumstance and that he gives you, God, glory for every victory.
I pray that he would give thanks in all things, for Your Word tells us that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.
Relationships: (I Corinthians 15:33). Lord Jesus, I pray that Pastor Snyder would not be corrupted by the necessary contact with a sinful world and that his heart would withstand the infl uences of his worldly acquaintances. More importantly, Jesus, I pray that Pastor Snyder would influence every person he meets for good and that he would be a shining witness in his personal life for the Lord Jesus Christ. Allow him to receive opportunities to testify of Your goodness and power. I especially pray for peace in his dealings with people—his family, friends, business associates, and church members. Lord, intercede and stop any disharmony and unnecessary stress.
Balance: Dear Lord, allow my pastor to maintain a steady, consistent walk, and not be swayed by dangerous extremes. I pray that his course would be steadfast and unwavering. Jesus, let his character combine with the strength and gentleness of the Lord—the Lion and the Lamb; make him wise as a serpent, gentle as a dove. (Matthew 10:16)
Humility: Lord, let my Pastor Snyder walk humbly with You, seek Your will, and receive divine direction in all things (Micah 6:8).
I pray that his heart would be strong in the midst of trials and accusations and that he would commit himself into the hands of Him who judges righteously (I Peter 2:23). I pray that he learns and grows through every circumstance and that he gives you, God, glory for every victory.
I pray that he would give thanks in all things, for Your Word tells us that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.
Relationships: (I Corinthians 15:33). Lord Jesus, I pray that Pastor Snyder would not be corrupted by the necessary contact with a sinful world and that his heart would withstand the infl uences of his worldly acquaintances. More importantly, Jesus, I pray that Pastor Snyder would influence every person he meets for good and that he would be a shining witness in his personal life for the Lord Jesus Christ. Allow him to receive opportunities to testify of Your goodness and power. I especially pray for peace in his dealings with people—his family, friends, business associates, and church members. Lord, intercede and stop any disharmony and unnecessary stress.
Balance: Dear Lord, allow my pastor to maintain a steady, consistent walk, and not be swayed by dangerous extremes. I pray that his course would be steadfast and unwavering. Jesus, let his character combine with the strength and gentleness of the Lord—the Lion and the Lamb; make him wise as a serpent, gentle as a dove. (Matthew 10:16)
PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY'S NEEDS
Relationships: Lord, I recognize that a pastor’s family is usually overworked, under-appreciated, and misunderstood. They often endure much pressure while being the family of a minister; late-night phone calls, numerous calls interrupting dinner & sleeptime, staying all night with a sick church member—all of these take a toll on a family. Right now, I pray for the peace of God to cover and protect the fabric of my pastor’s family. God, allow Your anointing to ease the friction and produce a loving atmosphere. Lord, allow him to be the godly leader of his home, and give his family the love and attention they need to grow. In Jesus name, Lord, let Pastor Snyder’s income amply meet his and his family’s needs and more.
Protection: It is well documented in Your Word that Satan has targeted my pastor, and that means his family is a target. Right now, I take authority and pray a covering of God’s protection over his family, a heavenly hedge of angelic encampment. I pray against negative pressures and distractions. I pray that no destructive force would touch his home and that God’s angels would keep his family (Psalm 91:9-11). Let them all be saved!
Relationships: Lord, I recognize that a pastor’s family is usually overworked, under-appreciated, and misunderstood. They often endure much pressure while being the family of a minister; late-night phone calls, numerous calls interrupting dinner & sleeptime, staying all night with a sick church member—all of these take a toll on a family. Right now, I pray for the peace of God to cover and protect the fabric of my pastor’s family. God, allow Your anointing to ease the friction and produce a loving atmosphere. Lord, allow him to be the godly leader of his home, and give his family the love and attention they need to grow. In Jesus name, Lord, let Pastor Snyder’s income amply meet his and his family’s needs and more.
Protection: It is well documented in Your Word that Satan has targeted my pastor, and that means his family is a target. Right now, I take authority and pray a covering of God’s protection over his family, a heavenly hedge of angelic encampment. I pray against negative pressures and distractions. I pray that no destructive force would touch his home and that God’s angels would keep his family (Psalm 91:9-11). Let them all be saved!
FOR HIS SPIRITUAL PRAYER NEEDS
Power: I humbly pray that the Holy Ghost would energize Pastor Snyder for his daily pastoral duties. Pastor Snyder needs spiritual vitality to help meet the needs of others day in and day out. Bless him with all the strength and power that he needs. I pray that he would be strong in You Lord and in the power of Your might and that he would be prepared to do all things through You, Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13). Lord, let Pastor Snyder’s words come straight from Your throne like a burning coal from the altar.
Holiness: In Jesus name, I pray for a hedge of purity around Pastor. Cover his eyes, his mind, his steps, and his heart with holiness that he would not fall into temptation or the snares of the devil. Let his words be seasoned with grace, and his mind stayed on You, Lord. Let him always be well pleasing in all things to Your glory.
Accountability: Lord Jesus, I pray that You would bring a man of God outside our local congregation whom he can trust and who can be a voice of wisdom in Pastor Snyder’s life, and that You, Jesus, would continue to cultivate that relationship. I duly pray that Pastor will remain open to such a friendship.
Warfare: In Your Word You told us, “Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered” (Mark 14:27). Satan knows that if he can bring down the man of God, the work of God will be severely hindered in our city. Lord Jesus, right now let the armor of God cover Pastor (Ephesians 6:10-18).
[Quote Scriptures for his protection (Psalm 91; Luke 19:10; etc.)]
In Jesus mighty name, I pray that no weapon formed against him would prosper (Isaiah 54:17), that he would not be ignorant of the enemy’s devices, and that the enemy would not gain advantage over him (II Corinthians 2:11).
Power: I humbly pray that the Holy Ghost would energize Pastor Snyder for his daily pastoral duties. Pastor Snyder needs spiritual vitality to help meet the needs of others day in and day out. Bless him with all the strength and power that he needs. I pray that he would be strong in You Lord and in the power of Your might and that he would be prepared to do all things through You, Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13). Lord, let Pastor Snyder’s words come straight from Your throne like a burning coal from the altar.
Holiness: In Jesus name, I pray for a hedge of purity around Pastor. Cover his eyes, his mind, his steps, and his heart with holiness that he would not fall into temptation or the snares of the devil. Let his words be seasoned with grace, and his mind stayed on You, Lord. Let him always be well pleasing in all things to Your glory.
Accountability: Lord Jesus, I pray that You would bring a man of God outside our local congregation whom he can trust and who can be a voice of wisdom in Pastor Snyder’s life, and that You, Jesus, would continue to cultivate that relationship. I duly pray that Pastor will remain open to such a friendship.
Warfare: In Your Word You told us, “Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered” (Mark 14:27). Satan knows that if he can bring down the man of God, the work of God will be severely hindered in our city. Lord Jesus, right now let the armor of God cover Pastor (Ephesians 6:10-18).
[Quote Scriptures for his protection (Psalm 91; Luke 19:10; etc.)]
In Jesus mighty name, I pray that no weapon formed against him would prosper (Isaiah 54:17), that he would not be ignorant of the enemy’s devices, and that the enemy would not gain advantage over him (II Corinthians 2:11).
FOR HIS LEADERSHIP & CHURCH WORK PRAYER NEEDS
In the City: Lord God, I pray Your people would be called forth from every corner of the city, and even outside the city, and gather together to support and work in unity with Pastor Snyder. I pray that everyone you ordained to ministry will come and submit themselves to him (Psalm 18:44). Let Pastor Snyder be anointed as a leader in our community.
Pulpit Ministry: Today, I pray for God’s anointing to rest heavily upon Pastor Snyder and that You would prepare him for that anointing. Allow Your Word to come alive as he preaches. Let a burning conviction grip the hearts of everyone—saints and sinners alike—who are not right with God. Lord Jesus, allow his study and preparation time to be protected so that he can receive from God the message He has for your church. I also pray that his preaching would magnify Christ in all things, and that as Christ is lifted up You would draw people into Your presence.
Vision: Now, Lord, let the Pastor receive Divine direction and vision for the church. Guide him to be sensitive to the needs of the congregation as he leads, and that he would feed the flock exactly what they need.
Counseling: Almighty Counselor, let Your wisdom flow through Pastor Snyder as he deals with the problems of people. In Jesus name, I take authority for him to be protected from the pressure of sinful, negative, and antagonistic spirits that he may encounter during counseling. Lord Jesus, I pray that he would be anointed to give beauty for ashes and the oil of gladness for those that mourn (Isaiah 61:3).
Finances: Finally, Lord, I pray for wisdom in handling the church finances and for strength to bear the pressure of financial responsibilities. I do pray that the church’s stewardship over money would glorify God and help establish the work of God in our city. All this we put into Your capable hands today, Lord, Saviour, and Mighty King.
NOTE: Be assured that praying for your pastor is both necessary and biblical. It is also a source of blessing in your own life if you labor and do not faint. God Himself will reward your labor of love as you follow the biblical mandate to support leadership.
In the City: Lord God, I pray Your people would be called forth from every corner of the city, and even outside the city, and gather together to support and work in unity with Pastor Snyder. I pray that everyone you ordained to ministry will come and submit themselves to him (Psalm 18:44). Let Pastor Snyder be anointed as a leader in our community.
Pulpit Ministry: Today, I pray for God’s anointing to rest heavily upon Pastor Snyder and that You would prepare him for that anointing. Allow Your Word to come alive as he preaches. Let a burning conviction grip the hearts of everyone—saints and sinners alike—who are not right with God. Lord Jesus, allow his study and preparation time to be protected so that he can receive from God the message He has for your church. I also pray that his preaching would magnify Christ in all things, and that as Christ is lifted up You would draw people into Your presence.
Vision: Now, Lord, let the Pastor receive Divine direction and vision for the church. Guide him to be sensitive to the needs of the congregation as he leads, and that he would feed the flock exactly what they need.
Counseling: Almighty Counselor, let Your wisdom flow through Pastor Snyder as he deals with the problems of people. In Jesus name, I take authority for him to be protected from the pressure of sinful, negative, and antagonistic spirits that he may encounter during counseling. Lord Jesus, I pray that he would be anointed to give beauty for ashes and the oil of gladness for those that mourn (Isaiah 61:3).
Finances: Finally, Lord, I pray for wisdom in handling the church finances and for strength to bear the pressure of financial responsibilities. I do pray that the church’s stewardship over money would glorify God and help establish the work of God in our city. All this we put into Your capable hands today, Lord, Saviour, and Mighty King.
NOTE: Be assured that praying for your pastor is both necessary and biblical. It is also a source of blessing in your own life if you labor and do not faint. God Himself will reward your labor of love as you follow the biblical mandate to support leadership.