Pastor Appreciation

The month of October is when we honor our pastors, showing them how much they are appreciated year round. Theirs is a labor of love in the work they are called to do. This month is extra special, because our pastor’s birthday is on October 17. (I’ll never forget that date, because it was also my father’s birthday.)

I have compiled and consolidated several articles (sources below post), adapting and adding a few of my own words to create a special post with Pastor Kelly in mind. Let’s show our pastors how much we love and appreciate them! 🧡

PRAYING FOR YOUR PASTOR

Pastors play a crucial role in the spiritual growth and well-being of their congregations. They dedicate their lives to teaching, counseling, and leading their church communities with wisdom and faith. However, being a pastor is not without challenges. They face spiritual warfare, burnout, discouragement, and the responsibility of shepherding God’s people.

Pastors give so much of themselves—leading, teaching, guiding, and praying for their congregations day after day. Pastors love their flock and are often the difference maker in some of life’s loneliest, most painful moments. Their tireless devotion often goes unnoticed, yet their role is vital in nurturing spiritual growth and strengthening the body of Christ. Taking time to honor them with prayer is a meaningful way to show gratitude, lift their spirits, and remind them that their service matters deeply. Prayer not only blesses the pastor but also unites the congregation in love and support.

WHAT WE NEED TO REMEMBER ABOUT PASTORS

While pastors are, in God’s words, “shepherds of God’s flock” (1 Peter 5:2), they’re also human, subject to the same insecurities, passions, and discouragement we all are. Like us, they struggle with fear, worth, temptation, and loneliness.

When we intercede for our pastors, we partner with God in sustaining them, ensuring they remain encouraged and equipped to lead faithfully. It is both an act of love and a spiritual responsibility. They need prayer and encouragement. So this special month of honoring our shepherds is a wonderful time to give them the greatest gift of all: a deep commitment to be a prayer warrior for God’s leader.

WHY PRAYING FOR YOUR PASTOR IS ESSENTIAL

Your pastor needs your prayers more than you may realize. Here are some reasons why:

• Spiritual Battles – Pastors face constant spiritual attacks from the enemy because of their role in leading others to Christ.
• Protection and Integrity – The enemy will do everything in his circumscribed power to distract and discourage pastors and try to discredit them through moral failures. So they need protection.
• Emotional and Physical Strength – Ministry can be exhausting, and pastors need strength to keep going.
• Wisdom and Guidance – Pastors make decisions that affect the entire church. They need divine wisdom. A prayer of appreciation for pastors is a heartfelt offering that acknowledges their sacrifices and seeks God’s continued favor over their lives. By praying for wisdom, guidance, protection, strength, and joy in ministry, we give back a portion of the care they pour into others.
• Family and Personal Life – Like everyone else, pastors have personal struggles, and their families also need covering. Many times, pastors are so busy taking care of others that they have little time for themselves or their families.
• Demands and Expectations – Pastors bear the burdens of their “flock” and carry weighty responsibilities. They are the “go-to” person for everything from someone’s personal crisis to a broken heart to a plumbing problem at the church. Pastors are expected to satisfy every request and demand from church members. Because they cannot possibly satisfy every request of every church member, they often face scrutiny and criticism, with each person measuring them by their personal pastoral expectations.

It is difficult to have a healthy church if the pastor is not healthy spiritually. Thus, our pastors need our prayers. You have the eternal power of God through prayer to strengthen your pastor. You might already know how you plan to pray. If not, here are suggestions to guide you.

HOW DO I PRAY FOR MY PASTOR?

Above all, pray that your pastor will have a close walk with God. This means we should be praying for the prayer life of our pastors. We should pray that the Holy Spirit will both guide and comfort them. Pray that your pastor will regularly hear from God through prayer and Scripture reading.

Always pray for the pastor’s family. Healthy relationships with his spouse and children are vital if your pastor is to lead well. Paul’s words to his protégé, Timothy, were unambiguous: “(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:5).

Pray for their preaching. That includes not only the actual delivery of the sermon but, also, the hours of preparation that go into sermon study and writing.

Pray for your pastor as a leader. For sure, pastors are first servants, but they must also serve as servant leaders on a regular basis. They are often expected to lead meetings. In your church, you might have part-time or full-time staff that the pastor is expected to lead. And you certainly want your pastor to lead your church to become a Great Commission church.

Pray for their emotional strength and endurance. More pastors are expressing vulnerability and transparency when they ask for prayer for their emotional lives, as many pastors have ongoing struggles with depression and loneliness.

Pray for your pastor’s daily heart-connect with Jesus. The single most decisive factor in your pastor’s life and ministry is his personal Jesus-time, just as the epicenter of Jesus’ ministry was His daily time with His Father. A pastor faces two dangers here: first, that his time in the Word will become more head than heart and more informational than transformational; and second, Bible study can drift from being about his soul to being about his sermon, and “devotions” can become more about being with a book than being with a person. When you have so much work to do for Jesus, it’s hard not to become like Martha—so busy serving Jesus that you miss Jesus. Pray that, like Mary, your pastor will anchor his life to “sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to what He says” (Luke 10:39).

Pray for your pastor’s priorities. With so many demands and expectations, it’s very easy for a pastor to be driven by the urgent while neglecting the important. It’s a constant battle to sort out the needs of the people, the needs of your family, the needs of your soul. Neglecting any of these can ultimately spell disaster.

In Capernaum, Jesus had been healing and casting out demons all day. Early the next morning, the disciples announced that many more needy people were seeking His touch. “And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.” (Luke 4:42-43). Jesus knew His “musts”—so He knew what He had to say no to.

It takes divine discernment for a much-needed servant of God to daily sort out all the voices around Him and determine what God’s voice is saying. Pray for that for your pastor.

Pray for your pastor’s protection from enemy attack. Jesus told Peter that Satan desired to sift him as wheat. He could say that to any shepherd of God’s people. It was in a passage Peter wrote to “elders” that he warned, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8).

In His great prayer in the countdown to the cross, Jesus prayed for those who would be His leaders: “Protect them by the power of Your name…protect them from the evil one” (John 17:11, John 17:15). Oh, how your pastor needs a prayer warrior praying that for him.

Pray against the attack of pride, discouragement, lust, self-reliance, and controlling. Boldly place your prayer between your pastor and the prince of darkness.

Pray for your pastor’s marriage and kids. If the enemy can’t get to the pastor, he’ll work on dividing, detouring, and destroying his family. There’s nothing like conflicted or collapsing family relationships to rob a pastor of his strength, his credibility, even his ministry. Your prayer helps build a wall of protection around your pastor’s marriage, his children’s choices, and everyone’s personal walk with God. Pray for your pastor to keep his wedding promises to the woman he married and to always put her first. Pray that she will love what her husband does and give him the affirmation that is the “wind beneath his wings”. Pray that Jesus will seem so real in their home that their children will love Him, too. And ask God to help your pastor be the spiritual leader, not just at church, but at home.

Pray for “fresh manna” to feed God’s people. Pray that each time your pastor teaches or preaches, he will have something that has come fromGod’s heart, through your pastor’s heart—and straight to the hearts of the people. Something he can be excited about! God’s Word is “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). The preaching of it should be, too; not recycled sermons or passionless preaching.

Pray for that life-changing combination of courage and compassion. With so many believers being increasingly shaped by their culture more than their Christianity, it takes pastoral courage to stand firmly on God’s Word—courage to clearly proclaim what God says as the final word on any subject…at a time when it’s getting more and more lonely to do so. But also pray that boldness will be blended with the compassionate heart of Jesus that feels the needs behind the deeds.

A Biblical Example of the Gift of Prayer (Exodus 17:10-16)

Consider the old man on the hill. His young “intern”, Joshua, was leading the Israelites into battle against the brutal Amalekites. It was Joshua’s first command. With the help of two assistants, Moses slowly made his way up a hill overlooking the battle. Moses lifted up his hands and began to pray—until his arms gave out.

The Bible reveals that “as long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.”  Seeing that, Moses’ helpers, Aaron and Hur, “held his hands up”. Outcome: Joshua overcame the Amalekite army.

Later, Moses explained, “hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord.” It’s more than a Bible story. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the difference between victory and defeat in the life of a leader.

The difference is the prayer warrior on the hill! That’s what you can be for your pastor. It is the prayer warrior who, more than any other person, determines the outcome of the battle.

BIBLE VERSES TO STRENGTHEN AND ENCOURAGE PASTORS

Praying specific scriptures over your pastor can strengthen, encourage, and protect them as they fulfill their calling. Following are powerful scriptures that will uplift and cover him in God’s grace.

Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

This verse highlights the sacred responsibility pastors carry. They are shepherds, called to guard, teach, and guide the flock with accountability before God. Their service deserves deep appreciation and prayerful support. Believers should obey their pastors and all leaders who are appointed by the Lord. Praying for pastors allows us to share in their mission. When we honor their labor, we strengthen their resolve. God blesses congregations who uplift their leaders through prayer.

Jeremiah 3:15 – “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

This verse assures us that pastors are God’s gift to the church. They feed the flock with knowledge and understanding drawn from His Spirit. Their calling flows from God’s own heart. Appreciating pastors acknowledges the gift God has given us. Prayers of thanksgiving encourage their service and keep them steadfast. Through prayer, God strengthens their wisdom and compassion.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

This verse calls believers to honor their spiritual leaders. Pastors labor in teaching, guiding, and correcting with great responsibility. Esteem and love should always surround their calling. We must respect and love our pastors who are working for the Lord. When we pray for our pastors, we lift their hearts in joy. Pastors thrive when supported by grateful congregations. Go beyond just appreciating your pastor. Empower him…protect him…care for him—by faithfully, fervently praying for him.

1 Timothy 5:17 – “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”

This verse speaks of double honor for faithful leaders. Pastors who diligently labor in teaching and doctrine deserve recognition. God values their dedication and rewards their obedience. Pastors, evangelists, and leaders who are working for the sake of God must be honored. Prayers of appreciation uplift weary pastors. Our words of gratitude remind them of their impact. God uses prayer to renew their strength and keep them faithful in service.

Ephesians 6:19-20 – “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

This verse shows the need for prayer in preaching. Even Apostle Paul requested prayers for boldness. Pastors today need the same spiritual covering. Our appreciation expressed through prayer empowers them. Gratitude and intercession open the door for boldness. God uses prayer to equip pastors with divine confidence.

2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

This verse shows the seriousness of pastoral duty. Pastors are called to preach, correct, and encourage, even when it is difficult. Their teaching is a vital part of spiritual growth. Pastors have so many duties whereas they must look to their believers. They play the role of a shepherd, and he guides them and protects them from all kinds of false doctrines that are coming into the church. Our prayers give pastors courage to stay faithful to the Word. When we appreciate their sacrifices, God gives them renewed strength. Prayer becomes a covering that sustains their ministry.

1 Corinthians 9:14 – “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

No one can become a pastor by his own desire. It is God who chooses and appoints for His Kingdom. We must know this and honor them for the work they do for the sake of God.

Psalm 37:23-24 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

This verse affirms God’s guidance for the faithful. Pastors walk in paths directed by the Lord. Even if they stumble, His hand sustains them. Prayers of appreciation ask for divine direction. Gratitude uplifts them in difficult times. God upholds pastors when His people pray faithfully.

James 3:1 – “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”

Pastors are the messenger of God to the people. They should teach the word of God rightly because they are to receive more punishment than others. So we need to pray for them so they can receive more wisdom from the Lord.

Acts 20:28 – “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

When we honor and respect our pastors, we actually honor God because they are appointed by the Lord. When we show them love and take care of them, it directly goes to the Lord, and we receive blessings for that little act.

Galatians 6:6 – “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”

This verse emphasizes sharing with those who teach us God’s Word. It is a call to provide material and spiritual support. Pastors pour out; they deserve replenishment from those they serve. Praying for our pastors is a way to communicate love. Our appreciation shows we value their labor. God blesses both givers and receivers when honor is exchanged in love.

Romans 10:15 – “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

This verse celebrates the beauty of those who spread the gospel who are beautiful in His sight. Pastors carry words of life to broken hearts, pointing them to Christ. Their mission is one of eternal significance. Their work is deeply honored in heaven. Prayers of appreciation affirm their divine calling. Gratitude helps them see the value of their mission. God uses our prayers to keep them encouraged and steadfast. Praying for our pastors refreshes their spirit. Our gratitude shows we recognize their sacrifices and calling. God delights in congregations who honor the bearers of His Word.

Philippians 1:3-5 – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;”

Paul’s words remind us to be thankful for spiritual leaders. Pastors partner with congregations in advancing the gospel. Their work deserves joyful remembrance in prayer. Appreciation strengthens the bond between pastor and congregation. Prayerful gratitude fuels their commitment. God blesses leaders when their people continually cover them in prayer.

Colossians 1:9 – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”

This verse emphasizes constant prayer for spiritual leaders. They need wisdom to discern God’s will. Their effectiveness rests on the Spirit’s guidance and strength. Prayers of appreciation open heaven’s favor over pastors. They become strengthened in decision-making and endurance. When we pray, God equips them for challenges ahead.

1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

This verse encourages persistence in serving God. Pastors face many challenges, yet God calls them to remain unshakable. Their labor in the Lord is never in vain. Praying for our pastors helps sustain their strength. Our appreciation becomes a source of encouragement. God renews their hearts as we lift them up in prayer.

Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

This verse reminds us of the value of encouragement. Just as iron sharpens iron, pastors also need others to build them up. Ministry is sustained through strong, supportive relationships. Prayers of appreciation can sharpen a pastor’s heart. Gratitude strengthens their joy and effectiveness. God honors congregations that uplift and refresh their leaders.

Numbers 6:24-26 – “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

This priestly blessing fits perfectly for pastors. They pour themselves out for others, yet God’s presence is what sustains them. His peace and grace refresh their weary hearts. When we pray blessings over pastors, they feel strengthened. Appreciation in prayer is a powerful gift. God responds by surrounding them with His favor and protection.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 – “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:”

Paul’s request for prayer reveals pastors’ dependence on God’s people. Their mission is to carry the Word effectively. Our prayers ensure their efforts bear lasting fruit. Appreciating pastors through prayer strengthens their outreach. When congregations cover their leaders in prayer, God multiplies the harvest. Their work becomes even more impactful for the kingdom.

2 Corinthians 1:11 – “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.”

This verse reveals the power of communal prayer. Pastors thrive when their congregations intercede for them. Blessings are poured out when many lift them before God. Prayers of appreciation build spiritual protection. Gratitude creates unity between pastor and church. God responds to collective intercession by pouring out His favor.

Psalm 23:1-3 – “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

This beloved Psalm mirrors the role of pastors. They shepherd God’s flock, but they, too, need the Lord’s refreshing care. God is their ultimate guide and strength. Prayers of appreciation ask God to renew their spirit. Gratitude allows them to rest in His presence. God restores their soul when His people pray faithfully.

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

This verse affirms the influence of godly leaders. Pastors’ lives become a testimony of faith. Their light leads others to glorify God. Praying for our pastors helps sustain their witness. Gratitude strengthens their resolve to live faithfully. God magnifies their testimony when we appreciate them in prayer.

Psalm 90:17 – “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”

This verse highlights the importance of God’s favor. Pastors pour their lives into ministry, but it is God who establishes their efforts. His blessing ensures lasting impact. Praying for their work affirms our gratitude. Appreciation invites God to bless their ministry richly. Their faithfulness is rewarded when God makes their work endure.

Psalm 121:7-8 – “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

This verse reassures us of God’s protective hand. Pastors often face spiritual and physical challenges. God promises to preserve their journey. Prayers of appreciation ask for divine protection. Gratitude invites God’s shield over their life. He ensures their ministry continues with strength and safety.

Psalm 126:5-6 – “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

This verse acknowledges the sacrifices of ministry. Pastors often labor through trials and tears. Yet God promises joy in the harvest. Prayers of appreciation encourage them through hard seasons. Gratitude reminds them that their work is not in vain. God rewards their persistence with rejoicing.

James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

This verse honors endurance through challenges. Pastors face trials, yet their faithfulness is rewarded. God’s crown of life awaits them. Prayers of appreciation help them press on. Gratitude strengthens their resolve in temptation. God honors their endurance with heavenly rewards.

Joshua 1:9 – “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

This verse reassures leaders of God’s presence. Pastors are called to lead boldly without fear. God promises His guidance and strength always. Prayers of appreciation remind them of God’s nearness. Gratitude fills them with courage for every challenge. God strengthens leaders through the prayers of His people.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

This verse is vital for spiritual leaders. Pastors must trust God’s guidance above their own. His wisdom directs their every decision. Prayers of appreciation ask God to guide them. Gratitude acknowledges their dependence on Him. God’s direction keeps them steady in ministry.

Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

This verse points to God as the ultimate source of help. Pastors often carry burdens that require divine strength. God promises to be present in their need. Prayers of appreciation invite God’s strength over their life. Gratitude reminds them they are never alone. His presence carries them through challenges.

Colossians 3:23-24 – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

This verse speaks of wholehearted service. Pastors labor not for men’s approval but for God’s reward. Their inheritance comes from Christ alone. Prayers of appreciation affirm their service to the Lord. Gratitude reminds them of their eternal reward. God blesses leaders who labor with pure hearts.

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

This verse is a source of encouragement for every believer. Pastors especially need Christ’s strength for their responsibilities. His power enables their success in ministry. Prayers of appreciation remind them of this truth. Gratitude reinforces their reliance on Christ. God’s strength makes their work fruitful.

1 Peter 5:2-4 – “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

This verse describes the heart of pastoral service. Pastors are called to shepherd willingly and faithfully. Their reward is eternal from the Chief Shepherd. Prayers of appreciation encourage them in their calling. Gratitude reminds them of the eternal reward waiting. God strengthens pastors when they are valued in prayer.

Jude 1:24-25 – “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

This doxology points to God’s sustaining power. Pastors cannot endure without His keeping grace. He alone preserves them until the end. Prayers of appreciation seek God’s protection for their journey. Gratitude covers them with encouragement. God preserves His leaders through the intercession of His people.

IN CONCLUSION

Prayers for pastor appreciation are a meaningful way to honor the spiritual leaders who dedicate their lives to guiding others in faith. They express gratitude for their sacrifices and commitment to nurturing the church community. Moreover, prayers remind us of the importance of supporting and encouraging our pastors through love and intercession. By appreciating their role with sincerity, we strengthen the bond within the body of Christ and ensure they remain inspired to continue their faithful service.

Sources: “Praying for Your Pastor” devotion from the KJV Tecarta Life Bible app
Bible Verses About Pastor Appreciation
Pastor Appreciation Bible Verses To Honor Pastors
Prayers For Pastor Appreciation
Powerful Prayers for Pastor Appreciation Month
Powerful Scriptures to Pray for Your Pastor