Prayer Before Preaching

Ephesians 6:19-20

Ephesians 6:19-20 is the apostle Paul’s request, written while he was in chains, asking the believers to pray that words would be given him to proclaim the gospel boldly.

Lord, as I stand to preach, I can’t do this on my own. Whenever I open my mouth, give me the words. Help me make known the mystery of the gospel boldly and fearlessly, as I should. Keep me from preaching myself; let Your people see Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit, steady my nerves, and guard my heart from pride and from fear. Open ears and hearts to Your word, and let it bear fruit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ephesians 6:19-20 is the apostle Paul’s request, written while he was in chains, asking the believers to pray that words would be given him to proclaim the gospel boldly.

The Scripture

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.”
— Ephesians 6:19-20

Prayer points from Ephesians 6:19-20

Ask God to give you the words whenever you open your mouth.
Pray for boldness to make known the gospel fearlessly.
Ask Him to keep Jesus, not yourself, at the center of the sermon.
Pray for humility before and after you preach.
Ask the Holy Spirit to open the ears and hearts of those who listen.
Pray for anyone who will hear the gospel today for the first time.

Other forms of this prayer

For the church to pray over the preacher

Lord, we lift up the one who will preach to us today. Give the words to speak, and grant boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel fearlessly, as it should be proclaimed. Fill our preacher with Your Spirit, guard against pride and fear, and keep Jesus at the center. Open our ears and our hearts to Your word, and let it bear fruit in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

About this verse

Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians by calling believers to pray “with every kind of prayer and petition” for all the saints. Then he asks them to pray for him: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.” Even the apostle did not count on his own eloquence. He asked for words to be given him, and for courage to speak boldly. In this request he does not ask to be set free; he asks to proclaim Christ “fearlessly, as I should.” Every preacher stands where Paul stood, needing words from God and courage before people. This prayer is for a pastor, teacher or lay preacher to pray before stepping up to preach, with a second form for the church to pray over the one who preaches.

When to pray this prayer

On Saturday night, when the sermon is ready
In the minutes before you step into the pulpit
Before teaching a class, a youth group or a chapel
When you feel nervous or unprepared to preach
As a church, over the preacher before the sermon
Before sharing the gospel with a friend

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