There is no greater gift you can give your pastor and the spiritual leaders of your church than to pray for them. Pastors cannot win the battle alone; they need committed intercessors to lift them up in fervent, specific prayer. Leaders are human—they face the same challenges that their people do, with some additional ones! They grow tired in ministry, are tempted to sin, and may find it difficult to balance their many roles and responsibilities. They need the encouragement and support of those they lead.

Prayer for your pastor and leaders is crucial to their spiritual health as well as the health of their families and your church. Let them know you are praying for them. Ask them for any specific prayer requests, and assure them you will pray accordingly.

Use this daily guide with accompanying scriptures that suggest practical ways to pray for those who provide spiritual leadership for the flock. If you would like prayer to receive daily reminders by email every morning in October, enter your email address in the box below.

October 3, 2016

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 (NIV) view whole chapter
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
1 Timothy 3:7 (NIV) view whole chapter
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV) view whole chapter

Pray that your leaders will cultivate strong characters and show integrity without compromise. Pray that their testimony may be genuine and that they would not do anything they might need to hide from others.