Praying for the church is vital for its growth, unity, strength, and ability to fulfill its mission in the world. Whether you are praying for your local congregation, the global church, or a specific ministry, lifting up the church in prayer ensures that it remains a beacon of God’s love, truth, and hope. Below are prayer points for the church, each with a corresponding scripture to guide your prayers.
Prayer Points for the Church
1. Prayer for Unity in the Church
- Scripture: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
- Prayer:
- Lord, I pray for unity within the church. Let us be united in love, purpose, and mission. Help us to set aside differences and to focus on what binds us together—our faith in Christ. May the church be a place where peace reigns and where we serve one another in humility and love, reflecting the unity of the Spirit.
2. Prayer for Spiritual Growth and Maturity
- Scripture: “So that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:12-13
- Prayer:
- Father, I pray that the church would grow in spiritual maturity. Help each member to deepen their knowledge of You and to walk in the fullness of Christ. Strengthen our faith, develop our gifts, and empower us to live out the calling You have placed on our lives. Let us move beyond spiritual infancy and grow into a mature body, strong in the knowledge of Your word.
3. Prayer for Boldness in Evangelism
- Scripture: “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.” — Colossians 4:3
- Prayer:
- Lord, give the church boldness to share the gospel with those who have not yet heard it. Open doors for evangelism and outreach, and let Your Spirit guide us to those who are seeking the truth. Give us the courage to speak with love and clarity, proclaiming the message of Jesus without fear. May many lives be touched and transformed through the witness of the church.
4. Prayer for Leadership and Pastors
- Scripture: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” — Hebrews 13:7
- Prayer:
- Father, I lift up the pastors, leaders, and elders of the church. Grant them wisdom, strength, and a heart that seeks after You. Protect them from burnout and from any attack of the enemy. Fill them with fresh vision and passion for the ministry You have entrusted to them. Help them to lead with integrity and to shepherd Your people with love and humility.
5. Prayer for Revival and Renewal in the Church
- Scripture: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” — Psalm 85:6
- Prayer:
- Lord, I pray for a revival within the church. Stir up a fresh passion for worship, prayer, and the study of Your word. Let there be a renewal of hearts and minds, a hunger for Your presence, and a desire to see Your kingdom come. May the fire of the Holy Spirit ignite our hearts, leading to a greater outpouring of love and a renewed commitment to Your mission.
6. Prayer for the Persecuted Church
- Scripture: “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” — Hebrews 13:3
- Prayer:
- Lord, I lift up the persecuted church around the world. Strengthen and comfort those who are suffering for their faith. Give them courage to stand firm, even in the face of trials and persecution. May they experience Your peace and presence, and may their testimony draw many to Christ. Let Your hand of protection be upon them, and provide for their needs in miraculous ways.
7. Prayer for Love and Compassion in the Church
- Scripture: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8
- Prayer:
- Lord, help us as a church to love one another deeply. Let us be known by our love and compassion for each other and for those in need. Break down any barriers of division, and let us serve one another with humility and kindness. May the love of Christ flow through us, drawing people to You and demonstrating the reality of the gospel.
8. Prayer for Wisdom and Discernment in Decision-Making
- Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5
- Prayer:
- Lord, I ask for wisdom and discernment for the church as it navigates the challenges of this season. Guide the leaders as they make decisions that impact the direction of the church. Let Your Spirit provide clarity and understanding, helping us to see the path that aligns with Your will. May we seek Your guidance in all things, trusting that You will direct our steps.
9. Prayer for Provision and Resources for Ministry
- Scripture: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” — 2 Corinthians 9:8
- Prayer:
- Father, I pray for Your provision over the church’s ministries. Meet every financial need and bless the resources that support outreach, missions, and community programs. Let the church be a place of generosity, where needs are met and lives are transformed. Open doors for partnerships and opportunities that will extend the reach of the gospel and allow us to be a blessing to our community.
10. Prayer for Holiness and Purity
- Scripture: “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” — 1 Peter 1:15
- Prayer:
- Lord, I pray that the church would walk in holiness and purity. Help us to live lives that reflect Your character and to be set apart from the world. Let the church be a light that shines brightly, a community of believers who live in righteousness and integrity. Purify our hearts, renew our minds, and let us be vessels of honor for Your glory.
Scriptures for Praying Over the Church
- Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
- Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:12 – “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
- Colossians 1:9-10 – “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way.”
- Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Final Thoughts
Praying for the church is a powerful way to support its mission and to align with God’s heart for His people. As you use these prayer points and scriptures, know that your prayers are making a difference, not just in the life of your local congregation but also in the global church. Continue to lift up the church in prayer, believing that God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. Let His will be done, and may the church shine brightly in the world as a beacon of hope and love.