Are you sick of seeing articles online about the latest church scandals? Are you tired of seeing all the ways your own church falls short? Unfortunately, this disillusionment and burnout is becoming all too common. The church was meant to be such a beautiful representation of Christ’s love for His people, but instead, many people experience unhealthy leadership, dysfunctional subcultures, and tragic fallout. When we see these things, our hearts are grieved, but how often do we take time to pray? Prayer is powerful! God is so pleased when we pray for His church. As you pray, you may see the Holy Spirit powerfully answer these prayers. If you’re wondering what to pray, start with these ten verses straight from the Bible. By praying Scripture, you are repeating God’s Word back to Him and asking Him to do it again. Our good Father is grieved when His church does not model His love and peace, but He delights in bringing restoration. So nothing is better than seeing Him answer these prayers in your church context. To get started, save these verses and set aside 5 mins to pray today!
Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.
Prayer Point: Pray that Christ would be the ultimate authority in your church. Whether decisions are being made by pastors, elders, or volunteers, ask that they would not hold any preferences more highly than their desire to honor the Lord.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Prayer Point: Pray for a fresh awareness of the Holy Spirit within your congregation. Ask that He would soften hearts to hear His prompting, conviction, and guidance clearly.
Galatians 4:7
So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Prayer Point: We fall into much more unhealthy patterns when we don’t feel loved. God’s Word affirms our identity as His beloved children and heirs to His Kingdom. Pray that those in your church who feel lonely or insufficient will believe in these truths and be confident because of Christ’s love for them. Pray for a few people by name here.
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Prayer Point: It’s easy for churches to fall into the pattern of using prayer for transitional moments in the service. This is tragic since prayer is one of our most powerful tools for change and renewal. Ask the Lord to stir up a heart of prayer within your congregation. Pray that this would allow people to guard themselves against the enemy and fill their hearts with contentment instead.
Philippians 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
Prayer Point: Pray that your church would represent the gospel well in word and action. Pray against moral failings in church leadership, church division, quarrels, or scandals which may undermine your testimony in your community. Pray that each person would strive for unity.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Prayer Point: Pray that the people of your church would have humility and a desire to serve each other in love. Ask that those feeling weighed down by heavy burdens would experience God’s light yoke and that each person in your church would seek to carry the burdens of others. This verse specifically references carrying burdens of those struggling with sin. So pray also for freedom and transparency within your church community.
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
Prayer Point: The man Paul writes about in this verse was wrestling in prayer for the church. Maybe you can be the one wrestling in prayer for your church. Pray that God would grow your desire to fight on your knees for the sake of your church, and as a result, the believers would stand firm on the will of God and become mature and strong in their faith.
Psalm 71:16
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
Prayer Point: Pray that your church will develop a culture of praise. Ask God to grow each believer by challenging their faith and providing for their needs in ways that give them a God Story to tell. Pray that your church would be one that constantly tells each other the stories of God’s hand at work and uplifts each other’s faith.
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Prayer Point: Pray against spiritual attack within your church. The enemy wants nothing more than to cause division, confusion, and disruption in your church body. Sometimes it’s so subtle that it’s hard to notice without the discernment of the Holy Spirit. Pray for His guidance and protection over your community.
1 Corinthians 14:26
What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
Prayer Point: Pray that the faith of believers in your church will produce good fruit. Pray that they would use their spiritual gifts not for selfish gain or fame but to edify and build up your church body. Pray that your church would value every spiritual gift equally and acknowledge your need for each person’s strengths rather than over-emphasizing one gift over the others. Finally, pray that others would know Jesus better through the gifts of the Spirit in your midst.
With these verses in hand, you’ll have a great way to start praying God’s Word for your church community. Praying the words that come straight from Scripture allows you to center your heart on God’s heart for His church and become a prayer warrior advocating for your church. Tons of revivals have started by a few people starting to pray. So don’t let yourself believe your prayers don’t make a difference. The reality is you are not fighting against flesh and blood. Ephesians tells us there is so much more going on spiritually, so by praying for your church, you are taking a stand and asking God to move in powerful ways. You will be amazed at what He does!
