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 7, 2016

And provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) view whole chapter

Ask God to heal any hurts that your leaders may have suffered in their ministry. Pray that they would serve Him with gladness and encourage the church to worship God with a joyful, surrendered spirit.