Praying for Your Pastor - Part II: Praying for Your Pastor’s Spiritual Health
In ministry, it’s easy to assume that pastors are spiritually strong simply because they’re always preaching, teaching, and leading others in faith. But the reality is, many pastors struggle to maintain their own personal walk with God.
I remember a season in my own ministry where I was constantly leading the church, leading worship, discipling others—but I was running on empty. I was pouring out more than I was receiving, and over time, I realized I was neglecting my own intimacy with Jesus. If I wasn’t careful, I could start relying on past experiences with God rather than a fresh connection with Him. And I’m not alone in this—many pastors wrestle with the same tension.
Ministry can become so busy that personal time with God gets squeezed out. And if a pastor isn’t spiritually nourished, their leadership suffers. That’s why praying for your pastor’s own relationship with Jesus is one of the most important things you can do.
Why This Matters
Busyness can replace intimacy. It’s possible to talk about Jesus all the time and still miss time with Him personally.
Spiritual dryness leads to burnout. Without abiding in Christ, a pastor’s soul can become depleted, leading to exhaustion and discouragement.
A pastor’s private devotion impacts public ministry. The depth of their walk with God shapes the wisdom, strength, and love they bring to others.
How to Pray for Your Pastor’s Spiritual Health
Here are three ways you can pray:
Pray that they will abide in Christ daily: Ask God to give him a hunger for His Word and a desire for personal time in prayer. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4)
Pray for protection against spiritual apathy: Ministry can become routine. Pray that your pastor’s love for Jesus stays fresh and passionate. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12)
Pray that they find rest in God, not just in work: Pastors can fall into the trap of thinking their worth is in their work. Pray that they experience God’s presence apart from ministry responsibilities. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
A Prayer for Your Pastor
Father, I pray for my pastor’s relationship with You. In the midst of his ministry, help him to abide in You first and foremost. Protect him from spiritual dryness or feeling distant from You. Fill his heart with a deep love for Your Word and a desire to spend time with You. Remind him that his identity is not in what he does, but in being Your child. Let his ministry be an overflow of his personal walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In the next post, we’ll focus on praying for your pastor’s family—because a strong home life is crucial for a healthy ministry.
Would you take a moment today to pray specifically for your pastor’s time with God? A simple prayer can make a huge difference.