It’s sometimes hard to know how to pray for others. In his book Transforming Prayer, Daniel Henderson reflects on a prayer meeting he attended, “I hate to say it, but it seemed to me that if you took the words bless and be with out of their prayer vocabulary, no one would have had anything to say.”
How do we pray for spiritual leaders beyond asking that God blesses them and is with them?
The Bible gives us some clues as the authors request prayer from churches for them and their ministries. The biblical authors rarely request prayer for changed circumstances, but they do request other kinds of prayer.
Pray for an open door to preach the word — “Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison…” (Colossians 4:3). John Piper explains, “I take him to mean when Christians pray, God changes circumstances and attitudes and receptivity for the Word so that instead of hitting a brick wall, the Word finds an open door and becomes unusually effective.
Pray for clarity — Paul also asked for prayer “that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:4). Along with open doors, we should pray for an ability to take advantage of those opportunities with clarity.
Pray that the spread of God’s word — “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you….” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). The word of God is on the move (Acts 12:24; 13:49). It can’t be stopped (2 Timothy 2:9). Pray for its continued spread.
Pray for protection from wicked men — “…and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men” (2 Thessalonians 3:2). Pastors and leaders can expect opposition. Pray that they’ll be delivered.
Pray that setbacks are used by God for good. In prison, Paul said, “I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance” (Philippians 1:19). God is able to use even the worst things that happen to pastors to accomplish his purposes.
Pray that pastors enjoy clean consciences — “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things” (Hebrews 13:18). The writer to the Hebrews has a clean conscience. He doesn’t ask for prayer for a clean conscience, but it’s not a bad idea to pray that our leaders maintain an honourable walk with God and stay pure.
Pray that pastors enjoy fellowship with their people — “I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner” (Hebrews 13:19). Paul also hoped to join Philemon in answer to his prayers (Philemon 22). Pray that pastors get to spend time with the people entrusted to their care.
Just pray. “Brothers, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). Even if you don’t know what to pray, just pray for your leaders.
“If we desire power in our lives and in our churches, we must pray,” writes Kent Hughes. “How different the modern church would be if the majority of its people prayed for its pastors and lay leadership.”
Pray for your pastors and spiritual leaders.