Three Ways to Pray for Your Pastor
Jack Klumpenhower
3/1/2010

One of the simplest verses in the Bible is Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:25 (NLT). “Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.” It’s easy to understand but hard to practice. Paul was a missionary pastor who founded the Thessalonian church. So this verse suggests that we ought to pray for our pastors too. But how?

Well, Paul himself gives us several good places to start. He asks for prayer often in his letters. So let’s look at three of those passages—three ways we can pray for our pastors.

Prayer #1: For a ministry that overcomes opposition

Paul wrote to the Romans on his way to Jerusalem, where he faced a double challenge. He had been warned of threats from unbelievers there, who had tried before to kill him. Additionally, he was bringing gifts from Gentile believers to the Jewish believers there, who still struggled with racial arrogance. So he writes, “Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem” (Romans 15:31, NLT).

Today’s pastors face the same kinds of opposition. Even in the Western world, where violent opposition and government interference are relatively rare, many people outside the church openly ridicule a faithful pastor. And as pastors gain influence, many are tempted by power, money, and sex. If they fall, the world gloats. We must pray they will not fall.

Inside the church, pastors are opposed too. Many believers are fixated on a certain doctrine or method they want taught or a personal need they demand be met. If a pastor fails their expectations, they may call for his head or, worse yet, discredit him behind the scenes. They become unteachable. It’s no wonder Paul asked for prayer that his ministry be willingly accepted. Today’s pastors need the same.

Prayer #2: For a life that honors Christ

Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, where he kept preaching in spite of death threats. This inspired other preachers, some of whom had selfish motives. They were jealous and looking for acclaim. Paul asked for prayer that his own life would not be selfish—that he would trust and honor Christ. "I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die" (Philippians 1:19-20, NLT).

Most pastors struggle with their motives for ministry. It’s easy for them to focus on the acclaim and the following they get—or the lack of it—instead of living only to honor Christ. And it’s tempting for them to trust their own speaking skills or counseling abilities instead of trusting God. One of the best things we can do for our pastors is to pray that their selves would mean little to them and that Christ would mean much.

Prayer #3: For a message that proclaims Christ

Again writing from prison, Paul asked the Colossians to pray for his preaching and speaking. “Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should” (Colossians 4:3-4, NLT).

If Paul himself needed prayer that he would clearly and consistently preach about salvation in Jesus, then every pastor needs the same. Paul had much practice preaching about Christ. He’d determined to preach nothing else (see 1 Corinthians 2:2). But still he asked for prayer.

It’s easy for pastors to get sidetracked. The topics for which there is no good answer but Jesus—like sin, punishment, and suffering—are not popular topics. And it’s hard to preach the cross of Jesus effectively to both the young and the old, the churched and the unchurched, the dutiful and the rebels. It takes determination and wisdom.

If your pastor does this, thank God for him. And keep praying.

Jack Klumpenhower is a writer and communications consultant living in Colorado. He has authored Bible study lessons and a family devotional guide.

Read More: Here are six passages where Paul mentions prayer for himself:

Romans 15:30-32
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Ephesians 6:19-20
Philippians 1:15-20
Colossians 4:2-4
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Consider taking a week or so to meditate on each of these passages, one each day, praying as you do for a pastor you know.