The enemy may be trying to take a stronghold, but he is powerless when we fight back with our most powerful weapon—prayer!
Sweet brothers and sisters, these are unprecedented times. Yes, I know we have heard that phrase repeatedly, but it’s true. As a body of believers, we need to pay special attention to the safety and handlings of our congregations and places of worship. We must be aware that churches have always been under attack, but in today’s culture, the enemy isn’t just knocking on the door; he has made his way in and is causing strife among the body of Christ.
Sadly, the division and conflicts found within and outside churches are nothing new, but the result is devastating, as it is leading many churches to crumble under all the pressure. We need to take a stand and be in prayer for our churches and their leaders. Recognize that the people who take a leap of faith and step into a leadership role within the church will face much opposition, not just from the enemy, but from the church body, as well as their own flesh. The enemy may be trying to take a stronghold, but he is powerless when we fight back with our most powerful weapon—prayer!
Here are ten pocket prayers you can take with you and pray throughout your day. Let’s come together and rise up, breathing life, love, and Truth back into our Father’s house:
A Prayer for Obedience
Faithful Father,
Help our church and its leaders walk by faith and not be swayed by the ways of this world. Change our hearts to seek Your will and live according to Your Word. Be a beacon of light as our pastors and church leaders aim to lead and guide us to be faithful servants who honor and glorify Your name alone. Amen.
"Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land you will possess." Deuteronomy 5:33
A Prayer for Peace
O Lord,
We are so thankful that you are the Prince of Peace and give us a sense of calmness in our trials and tribulations. As tensions may fester and grow within the church, temper our thoughts and ease our emotions. Give our church leaders a passion and zeal to promote peace within the walls of our churches and a pathway to peace between the members of the body. Amen.
"The God who gives peace be with you all. Amen." Romans 15:33
A Prayer for Humility
Righteous God,
We long to be Your humble servants, but we often are blind to our faults and failures. Open our eyes to see where we can serve You and others better. Humble our hearts and grow us in the areas that need Your loving attention. When we want credit and pride to get in the way of honoring You, transform us. Amen.
"For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:11
A Prayer for Discernment
Heavenly Father,
We ask that You pour truth and wisdom on our church leaders and pastors as they lead and guide us in these unsettling times. Invoke your Spirit upon them and use Your mighty Word as a tool to combat the evil that is trying to infiltrate the church. We long to spread the Truth and disseminate the lies. Give our leaders clarity and peace as they preach and bring Your Word to light. Amen.
"Loved ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1
A Prayer for Purity
Dear Loving Lord,
You are the God of pure love. Yet we live in a world overrun by sinful immorality and lust. We know this must break Your heart as it has also come within the walls of our churches. Lord, we ask You to restore what has been lost and broken. Heal those that have been affected by these sinful acts. We also ask that You protect the hearts and minds of the innocent young in our churches. Lord, please bring conviction and grace to our leaders as they seek to love others as You do. Amen.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8
A Prayer for Encouragement
Lord,
We are so very thankful for the leaders You have placed in our churches and for their servant hearts and faithful service. Please give them the courage and strength when they feel weak and weary. Wrap them up in Your arms when they need comfort, and fill them with hope when they face adversity. Lord, grant us ways to encourage our church leaders with deeds, actions, and words, letting them feel our love and support. Amen.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
A Prayer for Growth
Gracious God,
We invite Your presence into the hearts of those who don’t fully know You. Lead them to Your house, Lord. Help us warmly welcome those You bring through the doors. May our churches continue to grow, so others may get to know You more intimately. For those who need a spiritual reset, please provide them with a church home to grow in their faith. Amen.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!" 2 Peter 3:18
A Prayer for Safety
Lord,
You are so good to us and are our ever-present source of protection. Thank you for being our hiding place. We pray the church can be that place of refuge for those seeking safety. Offer our church leaders the skills to lead and guide their congregation while keeping their safety as a forefront priority. Amen.
"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3
A Prayer for Fellowship
Heavenly Father,
We know we were created for connection. We desperately need it to grow. Please foster a community within our churches and have mercy on us as we strive to form healthy relationships. Be present in our church community and bless our interactions. Lord, most of all, we pray that our gatherings bring You glory through our worship and prayers. Amen.
"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8
A Prayer for Boldness
O Father,
Many of our faithful leaders have been spiritually, mentally, and emotionally persecuted for spreading Your word. Help these leaders remain steadfast and stand firm in preaching Truth. Give them the ability to boldly represent the body of Christ as they bravely speak Your precious Word with conviction. Amen.
"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." Ephesians 6:19
Just as God encouraged Israel—proclaiming that He would never leave or forsake them and that His love is unconditional, never failing, and filled with restoration, hope, and blessings—His message stands true today. God is with us. He is fighting for us. He is our shelter from the storms of this life. His compassion is great, His love is pure, and His nature is filled with mercy, and grace, wrapped in forgiveness. His judgments will declare Who He is, and His righteousness and justice will win in the end. Let’s believe that through God, all things are possible!
"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10
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