Prayer lists
Prayer list for church, what to pray for your congregation
· 2 min read
A prayer list for church you can use on your own or in a prayer meeting, covering pastors, members, missions, and the city, with Scripture for each.
A prayer list for church helps you pray for your congregation by name, not only on Sunday. Use the list below on your own or in a prayer meeting, and spread it across the week so you pray for every part of your church.
What goes on a church prayer list?
A church prayer list is a ready-to-use list of the people and ministries in your congregation: pastors and elders, members who are sick or grieving, new families, the missionaries your church supports, and your city. Copy it, fill in the names, and spread it across the week so every part of your church is prayed for, whether you use it alone or in a prayer meeting.
A church prayer list you can copy
PASTORS AND ELDERS
Faithful preaching, wisdom, rest
MEMBERS
Those who are sick, grieving, or caring for someone
New believers
Families with new babies
MINISTRIES
Children and youth
Small groups
MISSIONS
Missionaries we support
Church plants
OUR CITY
Neighbors near the church
City leaders
What to pray for your pastors and elders
Pray that they would preach the Word faithfully (2 Timothy 4:2), lead with humility (1 Peter 5:2-3), and have rest and strength. Paul asked the churches to pray that he would speak boldly (Ephesians 6:19-20).
What to pray for members
Pray for people by name. Pray for the sick (James 5:14-16), for those who grieve, and for new believers to grow. Pray that the church would love one another (John 13:34-35).
If you lead or join a small group, see these small group prayer request ideas.
What to pray for missions and the city
Pray for missionaries’ safety and fruit, and for the gospel to spread in your city. Paul asked for prayer “that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
Spread it across the week
You can’t pray through the whole list every day. Pray for leaders on Monday, members on Tuesday, missions on Wednesday, and so on. See how to pray for your church for more.
Keep your church prayer list in The Pray App
Paste your church prayer list into The Pray App, and each line becomes a prayer card. Set leaders to weekly, urgent needs to daily, and missions to monthly. Home shows only today’s cards.
Home shows only the prayers that are due today.
The Pray App is free on the App Store. See how to choose how often a prayer comes up.
Questions people ask
What should be on a church prayer list?
Your pastors and elders, members who are sick or grieving, new believers, families, missionaries, and your city. Add thanks for what God has done in your church.
How do I organize a church prayer list?
Group requests by area, such as leaders, members, missions, and the city, and spread them across the week so each day has a short list.
How often should I pray for my church?
Paul prayed for the churches constantly. Pray for your church every week, and pray for its leaders and urgent needs more often.
Related guides
- How to keep track of prayer requests without forgettingHow to keep track of prayer requests from friends, church, and family, so you remember to pray, follow up, and see how God answers over time.
- Prayer cards, how to use them to pray for peopleHow to use prayer cards to pray for people, what to write on each card, how often to pray through them, and what to do when a prayer is answered.
- Prayer list examples for family, friends, church, and morePrayer list examples you can copy for family, friends, church, work, health, and the world, plus a weekly list and how to pray through it.
- Prayer list for family, what to pray for each personA prayer list for family with what to pray for parents, siblings, children, and extended family, plus Scripture to pray and a way to keep it going each week.