If you have great pastors like I do, then it can be easy to think they’re unshakable spiritual superstars who are immune to fears and insecurities. But while great pastors provide us with faithful examples of how to follow Jesus, everyone—even the healthiest spiritual leaders—needs support.
Below, you’ll find eleven example prayers for pastors you can build into your personal prayer time. You’ll find prayers for your pastor’s family and friends, mental well-being, ministry resilience, physical rest, spiritual protection, and more.
You’ll also find a few additional ways to support your pastor as they serve God through the local church.
How to Support Pastors and Spiritual Leaders
In the New Testament, the author and apostle Paul wrote that we should make it a priority to encourage and thank our pastors and spiritual leaders and go out of our way to encourage and honor them.
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV
Remember Pastors are People, Too
It may be surprising to some, but pastors don’t just work on weekends. What’s on your schedule this week? A pastor’s week might include hospital visits, counseling families in crisis, preparing to officiate a wedding, mentoring new believers, meeting with staff and volunteers, organizing serving opportunities, setting up the church building for weekend services, and, somewhere in the week, preparing for their next sermon.
Most of us only see pastors for a few hours a week, but they are constantly working for the good of their communities. And as they serve, they face temptations of every kind. So, let’s do what we can to support their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Practical Ways to Support Your Pastors Today:
Pastors are people just like you. That means they need support. How can we support our pastors? Here’s a simple list to give you a few ideas:
- Send them a kind, encouraging message or email.
- Send them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or bakery.
- Offer to help with tasks around the church to lighten their workload.
- Invite them for a meal or casual outing to show appreciation.
- Encourage the church to celebrate Pastor Appreciation Day (the second Sunday of October) with a card, gift, or words of gratitude.
- Continue attending, serving, and supporting the church’s work in the local community.
- When needed, provide honest, kind, and constructive feedback.
- Encourage others in your church to provide your pastor direct feedback, rather than gossip or complaints.
- Share this article with others in your church and encourage them to pray for your pastors!
11 Prayers for Pastors
As you prepare to pray for your pastors, think about the influential pastors in your life. How has their teaching, care, and example impacted your relationship with Jesus? Start your prayer by thanking God for their positive impact. Then ask God to reveal areas where your pastor needs support and pray a few of the example prayers below.
1. A Short Prayer for Pastors
Heavenly Father, I am grateful for my pastor and the other spiritual leaders in my life. Bless them and give them strength to care for the people in our church. Protect their loved ones and keep their hearts right before You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer for Their Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Dear Father, I pray for my pastor’s spiritual growth and maturity. Lead them, Holy Spirit, and help them desire a deeper relationship with You. Give them the wisdom they need to know Your Word and make good decisions. Help them to teach Jesus’ way and conform to His image. May their ministry bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
3. A Prayer for a Pastor’s Loved Ones
Heavenly Father, I pray for my pastor’s family and friends, who are part of their support system. Bless them with meaningful relationships that are a source of strength and encouragement. May their friendships be a reflection of Your love and goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. A Prayer for a Pastor’s Wife or Husband
Gracious Lord, I lift up my pastor’s marriage, asking for Your blessing and grace in this important relationship. Give them wisdom and the ability to support their spouse. Keep them safe from the enemy and bless them richly. May their marriage be a beautiful picture of Your deep love displayed in their home. Bring glory to Your name, Jesus. Amen.
5. A Prayer for Fruitful Ministry
Dear God, I pray that my pastor’s ministry would be blessed by You and that Your Word would resonate powerfully in the hearts of my church family. Give them Your Holy Spirit power to preach Your Word with authority and conviction. May they never give up proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.
6. A Prayer for a Pastor’s Safety
Dear Lord, I ask that You protect my pastor from spiritual attack and harm. Keep them safe from physical danger and protect their family. Bless them with good health and wellness. Surround my pastor with Your peaceful presence and go before them, guarding their path. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. A Prayer for Wisdom in Relationships
Dear Lord, I pray for my pastor and their relationships. Give them wisdom in building strong and healthy connections with others. Give them discernment to know whom to trust and when to be cautious in difficult situations. May their time with You fuel their every decision and action. In Jesus’ name, amen.
8. A Prayer for Pastoral Courage and Confidence
Dear God, I thank You for my pastor and ask that You give them courage and confidence in You. May they share Jesus’ message with conviction and stand firm against adversity. Give them Your strength and ability to trust in Your provision. May they walk in the confidence of Your presence and peace, knowing You are with them always and in all ways. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.
9. A Prayer for Clarity and Direction
Heavenly Father, I ask that You give my pastor clarity and wisdom in the decisions they need to make. I pray they will stay focused on Your will and plan for their ministry. Help my pastor to make wise decisions that line up with Jesus’ life and example. Keep their heart focused on serving You, Lord Jesus, and help them to prioritize time with You. May they be blessed in serving You and Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
10. A Prayer for a Pastor’s Heart
Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that You encourage my pastor’s heart and give them strength in their ministry. Help them to enjoy serving You, Lord Jesus. Keep them humble and dependent on You for all the days of their ministry. In Jesus’ name, amen.
11. A Prayer for Rest and Relaxation
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I ask that You give my pastor rest and relaxation. May they find refreshment and restoration in You and the gift of rest. Help my pastor take time to intentionally slow down, and help them prioritize their own care so they might minister with a healthy heart and soul. In Your mighty name, I pray. Amen.
Keep Supporting Your Pastors
The men and women who pastor your church need support. Keep praying for them, so they can continue to stand firm in ministry. Also, keep looking for ways to serve your pastors by offering kind words, sharing resources, and supporting their work in your church community.
You could also share this article with people in your church and encourage them to pray alongside you for your incredible pastors!