17 Things to Pray for the Church
So much rises and falls upon the health of a local church. Your church can build up your faith in Christ or it can tear it down. We’ve all seen both.
The church is also increasingly under attack, both from without and within, and prayer is our greatest defense.
It is crucial for Christians to commit to regular prayer for the church. So in light of that, here are seventeen important things to pray for your local body of believers.
1. Pray for your church’s commitment to God’s Word.
“Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.” Psalm 119:33-35
God has revealed Himself to us in His holy, inspired, life-giving Word. Everything we know about God and the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Scriptures, and God is glorified when we hold to the truths of the Bible.
This may sound incredibly obvious. You may even think, “Of course my church is committed to God’s Word!” By God’s grace, there are many churches that are committed to Scripture.
However, most churches that are no longer committed to God’s Word were once devoted to it. No church has ever said, “We’ve been following the Bible for too long! It’s time to abandon it!” Instead, what normally happens is that a church compromises God’s Word on this issue or that issue until it has abandoned God’s Word on nearly every issue.
Christians must pray for their church’s commitment to God’s Word.
2. Pray that your church would reach the lost.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Matthew 9:36–38
Christians should be characterized by our love for God and for each other. After all, the greatest commandments are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as ourselves. The church should have a heart for reaching the lost and sharing the good news of the gospel with those who are far off.
Reaching the lost can mean a variety of things. It can refer to everything from personally sharing the gospel with a neighbor to inviting an unbelieving family member or coworker to church. The important thing is that your church cares about people reaching people who don’t know Jesus Christ.
3. Pray that your church would make disciples.
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18–20
The Great Commission gives the marching orders for the church. Jesus’ directive in Matthew 28 is to make disciples. After someone is converted to Jesus Christ, they need to be discipled and taught the faith, which is exactly what Jesus says in verse 20. Jesus tells his disciples to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
The church’s primary mission is to teach everyone what Jesus taught and in order to do that, the church must teach the Scriptures.
This is an incredibly important prayer that we must all pray for those men who have been called by God to teach and preach. But the church must diligently teach the whole counsel of God’s Word, and this crucial mission must be regularly lifted up in prayer.
4. Pray for a spirit of humility.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
You can tell if a church is healthy when it is committed to God’s Word and making disciples, all while maintaining a spirit of humility. No one wants to be around someone who is an expert on everything or a church that has a culture of condescension. Instead, every Christian should take the words of Paul in Philippians 2 to heart.
Churches that try to balance biblical convictions and a deep sense of humility are wonderful places to worship. If that describes your church then pray that the Lord would protect it. And if it’s not, pray that the Lord would humble your body of believers.
5. Pray for the faithful preaching of the Word.
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:1–2
Preaching is the central element of worship. The entire worship service should be structured around it. Not only should the preaching dive deep into God’s Word, but it should also minister to souls. Preaching shouldn’t be a seminary lecture, but it also shouldn’t be a story time. It should point everyone to Christ and feed souls.
Pray for your pastor’s weekly preparations and effort. Pray that the Lord would strengthen, convict, and grow everyone who hears the preaching of God’s Word.
6. Pray that your church will be a praying church.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Prayer is not only your church’s defense against the schemes of the evil one; it’s an expression of dependence upon the Lord. Unfortunately, prayer has often been relegated to the transitional points of a worship service. The limited time prayer receives in many churches (not to mention our personal lives) demonstrates a subtle belief that it is powerless. The more committed your church is to prayer the more cognizant they’ll be of their dependence upon the Lord, which is a sign of a healthy church.
7. Pray for church unity.
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10
There are so many things that could potentially divide the church: personalities, misunderstandings and hurt feelings. And no doubt, Satan wants to exploit those things in order to tear apart the church. The church must stand united on the gospel, which binds us together. Unity doesn’t mean that there can never be any diversity in thought or the occasional disagreement. Rather, church unity simply means that the gospel which binds us together is stronger than what can tear us apart.
8. Pray for your elders.
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” Acts 14:23
In what is certainly an understatement, the elders of your church need prayer. Overseeing, shepherding, leading, and guiding God’s people are heavy tasks that put them in Satan’s crosshairs. Being an elder is a serious calling that requires personal piety, wisdom, discernment, and leadership – things that can only be accomplished well by trusting in the Lord. Your elders carry a heavy load and need prayer to faithfully serve in the role that the Lord has called them to.
9. Pray that your church would raise future leaders.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:4-7
The future of the church heavily rests upon the children at your church. Future pastors, elders, deacons, wives and mothers may be wandering your church halls, crying during the sermon, or being wild after the service right now, but Lord willing, these children will one day faithfully carry out the great commission. Pray that your church would diligently raise up the next generation to faithfully lead the church.
10. Pray for those who are hurting emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15
Most of the time our inclinations are to try to fix the problems for those struggling within our church, but many of the challenges of life cannot be easily resolved. Rather than quickly giving a word of advice, pray for and with them. Instead of being surprised when the people in your church experience the full range of emotions, come to expect it and be ready to listen and comfort them with the hope of the gospel.
11. Pray for the families in your church.
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.” Psalm 103:17-18
Families are the building blocks of the church. So much of God’s character and love is demonstrated to us in the bonds between a husband and wife and a parent and child. Pray for the Lord to strengthen and protect the families in your church. Pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident within their homes, bearing with one another and quickly extending forgiveness.
12. Pray that your church would care about your local community.
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7
The church should be a beacon of light in the midst of this dark world. It should be evident to those living in the community around us that we love and care about the things God loves and cares about. Pray for your church’s outreach in your town or city. Pray that your community would prosper, grow, and develop in such a way that it would not only benefit everyone, but most importantly glorify the Lord.
13. Pray that your church would be friendly and hospitable.
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9
Hospitality demonstrates the lovingkindness of God, who welcomes sinners in because of Christ. Our churches should be friendly and hospitable, joyfully welcoming people and earnestly seeking their good. Believers should treat one another with kindness as well as visitors and those outside of the church. It is also incredibly encouraging when those in the church welcome one another into their homes for meals and fellowship. It shows genuine interest in getting to know one another.
Pray that your church would be warm and hospitable and that the love of the Lord would be evident within your congregation.
14. Pray your church leaders would be good financial stewards.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17
The church is called to generosity, knowing that everything we have been given ultimately comes through the generosity of the Lord towards us. We are also called to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us.
Pray for the Lord to bless your congregation financially, and pray for generosity among your body of believers. Pray for your elders and deacons to faithfully steward your church’s resources and finances.
15. Pray that every member would find ways to use their gifts.
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
One way you can tell that a church is healthy is when everyone actively participates in the life of the church. Every person in every church has been uniquely wired by God with specific gifts and talents. Some people are teachers, others are more servant-hearted, while someone else may be extremely hospitable. The gifts within the church body are just that, gifts - and in many respects it is the job of the elders to give as many people as possible the opportunity to exhibit their gifts.
Pray that those in your congregation will joyfully use their gifts within the church, and that your elders and deacons would be good stewards of those gifts.
16. Pray for your church’s protection and perseverance.
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
It’s probably an understatement to say that the world is growing increasingly hostile towards the church. Standing for truth against the lies of the world will only get more difficult. But the Lord Jesus has promised to protect his church and that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Pray that your church would recognize that protection doesn’t come through capitulating to the demands of the world. Rather, the church’s protection only comes through the truth of God’s Word.
17. Pray for sanctification.
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17
By God’s grace, He not only justifies His church but continues to make us more like Christ through sanctification. Pray that those in your church would grow in holiness and righteousness. Pray that believers will feel sorrow for their sin and repent quickly, putting to sin to death in their lives by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a good starting point. The church is under assault from every direction. Let us commit to praying for the Lord’s church.
