A Prayer for Pastors

1 Peter 5:2-4

1 Peter 5:2-4 is the apostle Peter’s charge, as a fellow elder, to the elders of the churches he wrote to in Asia Minor, urging them to shepherd God’s flock until the Chief Shepherd appears.

Lord Jesus, Chief Shepherd, thank You for the pastors who watch over us. Help them shepherd Your flock willingly and eagerly, not out of compulsion or greed, and keep them humble examples, never lording it over us. When they are weary, renew them; when they are criticized, steady them. Guard their families, and give them true friends. Teach us to honor and encourage them. And when You appear, give them the crown of glory that will never fade away. Amen.

1 Peter 5:2-4 is the apostle Peter’s charge, as a fellow elder, to the elders of the churches he wrote to in Asia Minor, urging them to shepherd God’s flock until the Chief Shepherd appears.

The Scripture

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
— 1 Peter 5:2-4

Prayer points from 1 Peter 5:2-4

Thank God for your pastors by name and for their care.
Ask the Chief Shepherd to keep them serving willingly and eagerly.
Pray for humility and integrity, that they would be examples to the flock.
Pray for their families and for real rest.
Ask God to guard them from discouragement and burnout.
Ask how you can honor and encourage them this week.

About this verse

Peter wrote this letter to believers scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, churches that were suffering for their faith. Near the end he turns to their leaders, not as a superior but as “a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings.” His charge is simple: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you.” Then he says how: willingly, not out of compulsion; eagerly, not out of greed; as examples, not lording it over people. The flock belongs to God, and its shepherds answer to the Chief Shepherd, who will give them a crown of glory that never fades. That is a high calling, and pastors carry it while tired, criticized and often unseen, with families who carry part of the load. Paul asked another church to hold such leaders “in highest regard because of their work.” Praying for them is one of the best ways to do it. This prayer is for a church, a small group or one member who wants to pray for their pastors and their families, during Pastor Appreciation Month or any week.

When to pray this prayer

On Sunday morning, before your pastor preaches
During Pastor Appreciation Month in October
When your pastor is going through a hard season
When your church is facing conflict or change
When your pastor’s family is under strain
When your church is searching for a new pastor

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