What to Pray for Your Church

Content provided by The Gospel Coalition Website ~ (Jonathan Leeman)



1. That we would have unity amid diversity—loving those with whom we have nothing in common but the Gospel.
2. That a culture of discipling would form in which making disciples is viewed as an ordinary part of the Christian life.
3. That our faithful elders would use Scripture to train members to do the work of ministry.
4. That our faithful deacons would “deac,” i.e., serve in ministry.
5. That a hunger for studying the Gospel would form among members so that they can guide and guard one another. 
6. That transparent, meaningful relationships would become normal rather than anonymous and estranged.
7. The preaching of God’s Word—that it would be biblically careful and Holy Spirit imbued.
8. That our elders would remain above reproach, kept from temptation, complacency, idols, and worldliness.
9. That the church’s songs would teach members to biblically confess, lament, and praise.
10. That the church’s prayers would be infused with biblical ambitions, honesty, and humility.
11. That adult members would work to disciple teenagers and not just leave it to programming.
12. That the church’s primary teachers grow in dedication to God’s Word even when no one’s watching.
13. That it would grow in being distinct from the world in love and holiness, even as it engages outsiders.
14. That members would share the Gospel this week—and see more conversions!
15. That members would be prepared for persecution, remembering to love, not curse, their persecutors.
16. That hopes for political change would be outstretched by the hope of heaven.
17. That giving would be faithful, as well as joyful, consistent, and sacrificial.
18. That more members would use their careers to take the Gospel to places it’s never been.
19. That members would be good and do good in their workplaces this week.

Can you think of something I didn’t include? Then pray it and share it! This is hardly the “official list” of the 19 most important things to pray. They’re simply what one guy thought of while sitting in his office chair.

The point is for all of us to start praying more intentionally for our churches, and to encourage others to do the same.