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Japanese Scripture supplies most of the words for this prayer for church growth: “Lord of the harvest, add to our church daily such as should be saved. Make us faithful, welcoming and bold, and send workers into your harvest. Amen.” The phrases come from Matthew 9:38 and Acts 2:47.
What the Bible says about church growth
The New Testament describes the first churches growing in two ways: in number and in maturity. After Pentecost the believers “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers,” and “the Lord added to the church daily” (Acts 2:42, 47). Later, “the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly” (Acts 6:7), and the churches of Judaea, Galilee and Samaria “were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).
Paul is plain about who causes the growth: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). He also describes a second kind of growth, the whole body growing “up into him in all things,” as each member does its part, until it “maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15–16). A prayer for church growth can ask for both.
What makes a prayer “intercessory”?
Intercession is prayer on behalf of someone else. Paul asked that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1), and he asked the churches to intercede for his own mission: “pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). An intercessory prayer for church growth prays for the pastor, the members, the neighborhood and the people not yet in the church. More on the practice is in What is intercessory prayer?
Intercessory prayers for church growth
These are written for a congregation to pray together, at a prayer meeting or in a service, or for one member to pray alone. Put in the name of your church or town where it helps.
For the pastor and leaders
Lord, bless our pastor and everyone who leads in this church. Give them wisdom, rest and courage, and protect their families from the strain of ministry. As Paul asked, “open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3). Let what they preach be true and plain, and let it bear fruit. Amen.
For more workers
Lord of the harvest, the work here is more than the few who do it. Send us people to teach the children, visit the sick, welcome visitors and pray. Stir up gifts that are lying unused, so that every member serves, “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). Amen.
For people who do not yet know Christ
Father, there are people on our street, at our work and in our families who do not know you. Give us love for them and the boldness to speak, and open their hearts when we do. Let our lives be good news before our words are. Amen.
For visitors and newcomers
Lord, when a stranger walks through our doors, let them be noticed and made welcome. Keep us from cliques and from ignoring people who are not like us. “Receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). Amen.
For unity
Lord Jesus, you prayed that your people “all may be one… that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21). Heal the quarrels in this church. Take away gossip, rivalry and old grudges, and make us one in heart, so that others see your love in how we treat each other. Amen.
For growth in faith, not only in numbers
God, we do not only want a bigger church; we want a truer one. Deepen our prayer, our knowledge of Scripture and our love. Make us people who keep “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Amen.
For children and young people
Father, bless the children and young people of this church. Give them teachers who love them and friends who follow you. Help us hand on the faith faithfully, as the psalmist said: “We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD” (Psalm 78:4). Amen.
For the church’s place in its community
Lord, make this church a good neighbor. Show us who around us is hungry, lonely or in trouble, and give us the hands to help. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Amen.
For boldness and the Holy Spirit
Lord, when the first believers were threatened, they asked, “grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29). We ask the same. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, as you filled them, and give us courage to speak of you. Amen.
For giving and provision
Father, everything this church has comes from you. Make us generous with money, time and skill, and supply what the work needs. Keep our leaders honest with what is given. Amen.
For a small or shrinking church
Lord, we are fewer than we used to be, and some days it is hard not to lose heart. Remind us that you promised to be present “where two or three are gathered together” in your name (Matthew 18:20). “Who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10). Show us what you want of us now, and revive your work among us. Amen.
For a new church plant
God, bless this new church from its first meeting. Give its leaders patience, its members faithfulness and its neighborhood open doors. “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1). Build this one. Amen.
Prayer points for church growth
Some churches pray through short prayer points rather than written prayers. Each of these can be prayed in a sentence or two.
- That God would send workers into the harvest (Matthew 9:37–38).
- That the word would “have free course” in the town (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
- That the pastor would have “a door of utterance” (Colossians 4:3).
- That the church would be of one mind, with “no divisions” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
- That members would keep meeting and encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24–25).
- That God would “revive us again” (Psalm 85:6).
- That God would be glorified in the church “throughout all ages” (Ephesians 3:21).
Traditional prayers for the church
For the Church
O gracious Father, we humbly beseech thee for thy holy Catholic Church; that thou wouldest be pleased to fill it with all truth, in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, establish it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of him who died and rose again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer (1928), Prayers, “For the Church,” p. 37
“Catholic” here has its old meaning of “universal”: the prayer is for the whole Church, not one denomination.
For missions
O God, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the whole earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to them that are far off and to them that are nigh; Grant that all men everywhere may seek after thee and find thee. Bring the nations into thy fold, pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten thy kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer (1928), Prayers, “For Missions,” p. 38
For more people to serve
O Almighty God, look mercifully upon the world which thou hast redeemed by the blood of thy dear Son, and incline the hearts of many to dedicate themselves to the sacred Ministry of thy Church; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer (1928), Prayers, “For the Increase of the Ministry,” p. 39
For peace in a congregation
O God, the Giver of peace and Lover of charity, grant to Thy servants true concord and union with Thy holy will, that we may be delivered from all temptations which assault us.
A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity (1888), Occasional Prayers, “For the Preservation of Concord in a Congregation,” p. 166
From the Orthodox Divine Liturgy
Near the start of the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, the deacon leads the Great Litany. It begins, “In peace let us pray to the Lord,” and the choir answers each petition, “Lord, have mercy.” Two of its petitions are for the churches and for the congregation present.
For the peace of the whole world; for the welfare of God’s holy Churches, and for the union of them all.
For this holy Temple, and for those who with faith, devoutness, and in the fear of God have entered therein.Hapgood, Service Book of the Holy Orthodox-Catholic Apostolic (Greco-Russian) Church (1906), The Divine Liturgy, The Great Litany, p. 80
Paul closed his prayer for the church at Ephesus with these words: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20–21).
Prayer for Our Pastors and Leaders
A church’s health is often connected to the spiritual well-being of its leaders. We pray for our pastors and ministry heads, asking God to give them strength, wisdom, and protection as they guide the flock.
Heavenly Father, we lift up our pastors and church leaders to you today. We thank you for their willing hearts and their sacrifice in serving your people. Lord, we ask you to pour out a fresh anointing upon them. Fill them with your Holy Spirit, giving them supernatural wisdom for the challenges they face and divine clarity as they study and teach your Word.
Protect them, Lord, from discouragement and weariness. When the weight of ministry feels heavy, be their strength and their shield. Guard their hearts and minds from the attacks of the enemy, and protect their families from the pressures that come with leadership. We pray for a circle of true friendship and support to surround them, keeping them from isolation.
Renew their passion for you and for the people they serve. Give them a clear vision for the future of our church, one that comes directly from your throne room. May they lead with humility, integrity, and a deep, abiding love for you and for us. Strengthen their hands for the work you have called them to, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Praying for our leaders is not just a suggestion but a command. As we lift them up, God strengthens them to lead effectively, for as Hebrews 13:17 says, “they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”
Prayer for Unity and Fellowship
For a church to grow strong, its members must be united in love. This prayer asks God to remove division and jealousy, and to knit our hearts together as one body in Christ, showing the world our love.
Lord Jesus, you prayed that we would be one just as you and the Father are one. We bring this prayer to you now for our own church. We confess that we are often divided by opinions, preferences, and pride. We ask you to forgive us for any gossip, judgment, or unforgiveness we have harbored in our hearts.
Please break down the walls that separate us. Pour out your spirit of unity upon our congregation. Help us to “bear with each other in love,” overlooking offenses and seeking peace. Fill us with a genuine love and concern for one another, where we celebrate each other’s joys and carry each other’s burdens.
Let our fellowship be sweet and our relationships authentic. May our unity be a powerful testimony to a watching world, showing them that we belong to you not just by our words, but by our deep love for one another. Knit our hearts together in a bond of peace that cannot be broken, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When a church is truly united, it becomes a beautiful reflection of God’s love. This unity is a powerful magnet for those seeking community, for as Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Prayer for a Heart for the Lost
A growing church is one that shares God’s heart for those who don’t know Him. We pray for God to fill our congregation with compassion for the lost and boldness to share the good news of Jesus.
Merciful Father, you do not wish for anyone to perish, but for everyone to come to repentance. Lord, break our hearts for the things that break yours. Give us your eyes to see the people in our community, our workplaces, and our families who are living without the hope of Jesus.
Remove our fear and our apathy. Forgive us for the times we have been silent when we should have spoken. We ask you to fill us with a holy compassion and a sense of urgency for the souls of men and women. Make us restless with our comfort, and give us a deep burden to reach out to those who are hurting and lost.
We pray that you would open doors for us to share our faith. Give us the right words to speak—words of truth seasoned with grace and love. Make our church a beacon of light in our community, known for our love and for the hope we carry. Empower us by your Spirit to be your witnesses, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
God has chosen to use His people to spread the Gospel. As we pray for His heart, He will empower us to fulfill the Great Commission, for Romans 10:14 reminds us, “How can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
Prayer for Spiritual Hunger and Growth
Church growth is not just about adding more people, but about people growing deeper in their faith. This prayer asks God to create a desire within our members for His Word, for prayer, and for true spiritual maturity.
Lord God, we thank you that you have called us not just to a one-time decision, but to a lifetime of growth in you. We confess that we often become distracted and complacent, satisfied with a shallow faith. We ask you to stir up a deep spiritual hunger within the heart of every member of our church.
Create in us a craving for your Word. May we delight in it more than our daily food. Awaken our prayer lives, both individually and as a church. We long to be a people who seek your face earnestly and listen for your voice. We want to move beyond the basics of faith and grow into the maturity you have called us to.
Father, prune away the things in our lives that hinder our growth. Produce in us the fruit of the Spirit: more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We don’t want to remain spiritual infants; we want to grow up into the full stature of Christ, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
True growth happens from the inside out. When a congregation is passionate about growing closer to God, the church becomes vibrant and attractive. This honors the call of 2 Peter 3:18 to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Prayer for a Welcoming Spirit
A visitor’s first impression can determine if they ever return. We pray that God would make our church a genuinely warm and welcoming place, where every person who walks through our doors feels the love of Christ.
Lord Jesus, you welcomed all who came to you—the stranger, the outcast, and the sinner. We pray that you would create that same spirit within our church. Forgive us for the times we have been cliquish or so focused on ourselves that we have overlooked the visitor in our midst.
We ask you to open our eyes and our hearts to every person who enters our doors. Help us see each one as a guest sent by you. Grant us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, to smile, to extend a hand, and to show genuine interest in others. Let our welcome be more than just a formal greeting at the door.
May every part of our church—from the parking lot to the sanctuary—radiate your warmth and acceptance. Let newcomers feel like they have found a home, a place where they belong and can be themselves. Help us to truly be a family to the lonely, reflecting your own hospitable heart, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
A welcoming spirit is the practical application of Christian love. It reflects the heart of God Himself and fulfills the biblical command found in Romans 15:7: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Prayer for Divine Wisdom and Direction
For a church to move forward, it needs God’s guidance. This prayer asks for divine wisdom and clear direction for our leaders and congregation, ensuring that our plans and efforts align perfectly with God’s will.
Oh Lord, you are the source of all true wisdom. We come before you as a church and admit that we do not know the best path forward on our own. We need your divine guidance. We lay our plans, our ambitions, and our vision for this church at your feet.
We ask for wisdom for our pastors and board members as they make critical decisions about our future, our finances, and our ministries. Give them unity and a clear sense of your direction. Protect them from making decisions based on fear, pressure, or human reasoning alone. May they hear your voice above all others.
Father, we ask that you would align our desires with Your will. Show us clearly the steps we are to take to grow your kingdom through this church. Close the doors you do not want us to walk through and swing wide the gates of opportunity you have prepared for us. Guide our every move and our every plan, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Seeking God’s direction is a mark of humility and dependence. When a church moves in God’s will, it experiences His blessing and favor, for as James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Prayer for a Spirit of Generosity
A growing church is a giving church, sharing its time, talents, and treasures. This prayer asks God to release a spirit of generosity in our hearts, breaking the hold of materialism and inspiring joyful, sacrificial giving.
Gracious and Giving God, everything we have is a gift from you. You gave us the ultimate gift in your Son, Jesus. We confess that we often hold onto our resources tightly, with a spirit of fear rather than a spirit of faith. We ask you to transform our hearts.
Lord, release a wave of generosity throughout our congregation. Help us to be cheerful and willing givers, not out of duty, but out of a deep love for you and a desire to see your kingdom advance. Show us that our time, our unique talents, and our finances are all tools for ministry.
Break the power of materialism and consumerism over our lives. Help us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. We pray that our giving would fully fund the vision you have given our church, allowing us to be a blessing to our community and to the world. Teach us the joy that comes from a generous life, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Generosity is a matter of the heart and a reflection of our trust in God’s provision. As a church embraces this spirit, it unlocks resources for ministry, living out the truth of 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Prayer for Protection from Spiritual Attack
Where God is at work, the enemy is also at work. This prayer asks for God’s divine protection over our church, guarding us from division, discouragement, and deception, which can stop growth in its tracks.
Almighty God, our Fortress and our Shield, we know that we are in a spiritual battle. We ask for your divine protection over this church. We stand against the plans of the enemy to bring division, to sow discord, and to discourage your people. We ask you to place a hedge of protection around our congregation.
Guard the hearts and minds of our leaders and our members from deception and temptation. Expose any schemes of the enemy that are designed to cause strife or to distract us from our mission. Let no weapon formed against this church prosper. We pray for a spirit of discernment to recognize and resist the enemy’s lies.
Cover our families, our finances, and our ministries with the precious blood of Jesus. Let your peace, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds. Empower us to stand firm in our faith, clothed in the full armor of God, so we can be a victorious and growing church for your glory, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer is our primary weapon in spiritual warfare. By actively seeking God’s protection, we strengthen our church’s defenses, remembering the encouragement in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Prayer for Strong Families and a Thriving Youth Ministry
The health of a church is deeply connected to the health of its families and the engagement of its next generation. This prayer asks God to strengthen marriages, empower parents, and draw the hearts of children and youth to Himself.
Father God, you created the family as the foundation of society and the church. We lift up the families of our congregation to you. We pray for our marriages, that you would strengthen the bonds of love and commitment. Give husbands and wives grace, patience, and forgiveness for one another.
We pray for parents, that you would give them wisdom and endurance to raise their children in the knowledge of you. Help them to be the primary spiritual leaders in their homes. We pray powerfully for our children and our teenagers. In a world that pulls them in so many wrong directions, draw their hearts to you, Lord.
Pour out your blessing upon our youth and children’s ministries. Anoint our volunteers with creativity and passion. We ask that our church would be a place where the next generation feels seen, valued, and excited about their faith. Raise up a generation that will serve you with their whole hearts, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Investing in families and youth is investing in the future of the church. When we build strong spiritual homes, we heed the advice of Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Prayer for Anointed and Authentic Worship
Worship is where we connect with God’s heart and presence. This prayer is for our worship services to be filled with the Holy Spirit, free from performance and full of authentic encounters with the living God.
Lord of Heaven and Earth, we long to worship you in spirit and in truth. We pray for our worship services, that they would be a place where your presence dwells in a powerful way. We ask you to anoint every person on our worship and tech teams. Give them humble hearts and a passion for leading others into your presence.
We pray that our worship would be more than just singing songs. Let it be a true encounter with you. As we gather, quiet the distracting voices and help us to focus our hearts and minds completely on your majesty and your goodness. Let our praise break chains, bring healing, and open heavens over our church.
Strip away any sense of performance or entertainment. We desire authenticity and passion. May the worship that rises from our congregation be a sweet aroma to you, full of genuine gratitude and heartfelt adoration. Let your glory fill this house as we lift up your holy name, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Anointed worship prepares the hearts of the people to receive from God and is a witness of His power. It creates an atmosphere of reverence and awe, calling us to follow the psalmist’s instruction in Psalm 95:6, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Prayer for Hearts Eager to Serve
A church grows when its members move from being consumers to contributors. This prayer asks God to ignite a passion for service in every member, helping them discover their gifts and use them for God’s glory.
Lord Jesus, you did not come to be served, but to serve. We pray that you would instill that same attitude in every member of our church. Forgive us for our tendency to be spiritual consumers, showing up only to receive. Ignite within us a passion to contribute and a heart that is eager to serve others.
We ask that you would help each person discover the unique spiritual gifts you have given them. Show them exactly where they can use those gifts to build up the church body. Lord, we pray you would call forth the volunteers we need for every area of ministry—from the nursery to the outreach team.
Remove any excuses or feelings of inadequacy that hold people back from serving. Fill them with your strength and confidence. May our church become a bustling hub of joyful service, with every member playing their part. Let us find our greatest joy in pouring ourselves out for you and for others, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When every member uses their gifts, the church functions as a healthy, thriving body. This fulfills the vision of 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Prayer for Boldness in Witnessing
For the church to grow, the gospel must be shared outside its walls. This prayer asks the Holy Spirit for the courage and boldness to share our faith with friends, neighbors, and coworkers without fear or shame.
Holy Spirit, you are the one who empowers us to be witnesses for Jesus. We confess that fear often silences us. We are afraid of rejection, of not having the right answers, or of being mocked for our faith. We ask you to forgive our timidity and fill us with a divine boldness.
Just as you filled the early apostles, fill us today. We pray that when we have opportunities to speak about Jesus, we would do so with both courage and compassion. Give us the right words to say, and let your power confirm the truth of the gospel. Help us to see people not as arguments to be won, but as precious souls to be loved.
Let our lives be a living testimony to your goodness, so that our words carry weight. We pray that sharing our faith would become a natural and joyful part of our Christian walk. Turn our congregation into an army of bold, loving witnesses for your glory, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
God has given His church a powerful message of hope. By praying for boldness, we ask God to help us overcome our fear and fulfill the command of Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.”
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