If you’re anything like me, you know just how easy it is to get caught up in the busyness of church life — serving, planning, running from one program to the next — all while sometimes forgetting the simple yet mighty gift of prayer. I’ve often found myself so consumed by the “work” of ministry that I forget to talk to God about His church. Maybe you can relate? It’s humbling, isn’t it? The truth is, our churches desperately need more than good sermons and friendly coffee teams — they need prayer. Real, heartfelt, faith-stretching, heaven-touching prayer.
That’s why I’ve put together these prayer points. They’re not just bullet points on a list to rush through; they’re invitations to stand in the gap for our congregations. As I prayed over each one, I thought about the precious people who sit beside me every Sunday — the young couple holding hands, the elderly man singing off-key, the kids giggling at the back. I want God’s best for them, and I know you do too. So let’s press in together and watch what He will do.
1. Pray for a deeper love for God
Lord, stir up in us a fervent, unquenchable love for You above all else. (Matthew 22:37; Psalm 42:1)
2. Pray for unity in the body
Father, bind us together in perfect unity, casting out division and strife. (Psalm 133:1; John 17:21)
3. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, fill our church afresh with power, conviction, and spiritual gifts. (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
4. Pray for spiritual hunger
Lord, ignite a passion in us to seek Your Word and presence daily. (Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 5:6)
5. Pray for boldness to share the Gospel
Empower us to fearlessly proclaim Jesus in our neighborhoods and nations. (Acts 4:29; Romans 1:16)
6. Pray for godly leadership
Raise up and sustain pastors, elders, and ministry leaders who walk in integrity and humility. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Proverbs 11:14)
7. Pray for the youth and children
Cover our young people with Your protection; grow them strong in faith. (Psalm 144:12; 1 Timothy 4:12)
8. Pray for healing and deliverance
Stretch out Your hand to heal the sick and break every chain of bondage. (Acts 4:30; Isaiah 53:5)
9. Pray for generosity and stewardship
Teach us to honor You with our finances and give joyfully to Kingdom work. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Malachi 3:10)
10. Pray for strong marriages and families
Lord, build homes centered on Christ; let love and forgiveness rule. (Joshua 24:15; Ephesians 5:25)
11. Pray for revival in the church
Send a fresh wave of revival that awakens hearts and transforms lives. (Psalm 85:6; Habakkuk 3:2)
12. Pray for protection from deception
Guard us from false doctrines and anything that leads us away from truth. (Matthew 24:4; Colossians 2:8)
13. Pray for compassion for the lost
Break our hearts for what breaks Yours; give us tears for the unsaved. (Romans 9:2-3; Luke 19:10)
14. Pray for wisdom in decisions
Grant our leaders and members discernment in all matters, big and small. (James 1:5; Proverbs 3:5-6)
15. Pray for church growth
Bring in souls daily; let our church flourish in numbers and spiritual maturity. (Acts 2:47; Isaiah 54:2-3)
16. Pray for a spirit of worship
Let authentic, passionate worship rise from our hearts, not just our lips. (John 4:23-24; Psalm 95:6)
17. Pray for mission work and outreach
Strengthen missionaries and inspire us to reach the unreached. (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:14)
18. Pray for creativity in ministry
Unleash innovative ideas to reach people in fresh ways. (Exodus 35:31-32; Colossians 3:23)
19. Pray against every attack of the enemy
We declare no weapon formed against our church shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17; Ephesians 6:11)
20. Pray for perseverance through trials
Help us stand firm in faith when challenges come. (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:10)
21. Pray for racial and cultural reconciliation
Make our church a reflection of heaven, united across every barrier. (Galatians 3:28; Revelation 7:9)
22. Pray for joy in serving
Let us serve with gladness, not obligation, showing Christ’s love. (Psalm 100:2; 1 Peter 4:10)
23. Pray for humility and repentance
Keep us humble, quick to repent, and hungry for righteousness. (2 Chronicles 7:14; James 4:6-8)
24. Pray for a culture of prayer
May prayer be the heartbeat of our church, not an afterthought. (Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
25. Pray for breakthroughs in finances
Open doors of provision for our church’s needs and for members in lack. (Philippians 4:19; Deuteronomy 28:12)
26. Pray for discernment in spiritual warfare
Train our hands for battle against unseen forces. (2 Corinthians 10:4; Psalm 144:1)
27. Pray for the elderly and shut-ins
Bless them with comfort, strength, and hope in their latter days. (Isaiah 46:4; Psalm 92:14)
28. Pray for grace to forgive
Free us from bitterness and help us walk in genuine forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:13)
29. Pray for miracles and wonders
Let signs and wonders confirm Your Word among us. (Mark 16:20; Acts 5:12)
30. Pray for clarity of vision and purpose
Keep us aligned with Your plan for this church, not our own. (Proverbs 19:21; Habakkuk 2:2-3)
31. Pray for rest and restoration
Pour out Your peace on those who are weary and heavy laden. (Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 23:2-3)
32. Pray for godly friendships and community
Build strong, loving relationships that sharpen and encourage one another. (Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24-25)
33. Pray for endurance to finish well
Strengthen us to run our race faithfully to the end. (2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1-2)
34. Pray for the persecuted church worldwide
Uphold believers facing suffering for Christ; may they stand bold. (Hebrews 13:3; 1 Peter 4:12-14)
35. Pray for Jesus to be glorified above all
May everything we do exalt Christ and point others to His saving grace. (Philippians 2:9-11; John 12:32)
Conclusion
I hope these prayer points stir your heart as deeply as they’ve stirred mine. Honestly, when I paused to pray through them, I couldn’t help but feel waves of hope and even tears welling up — because our God is so ready and willing to answer when we call. Sometimes I think He’s just waiting for us to get serious about inviting Him into every crack and corner of our church family.
So don’t let these prayers gather digital dust. Save them, share them, or better yet, start whispering them to God today. I truly believe that as we pray these together, we’ll see our churches become brighter beacons of Jesus’ love than we ever imagined. And hey — if your heart starts burning a little more for your church because of this, then praise God. That’s exactly the point.
