A Prayer for the Church

Lord Jesus, You said You would build Your church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. So we pray boldly today for Your church — this congregation, and Your people everywhere.

Make us what You called us to be. Not a building, but a body. Not an audience, but a family. Not a club for the comfortable, but a refuge for anyone who needs You.

Revive us where we have grown tired. Forgive us where we have grown cold. Where we have argued over small things, give us back a love for the main thing — Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.

Bless every ministry under this roof: the ones who teach the children, the ones who greet at the door, the ones who count the offering and clean the floors, the ones who pray at home because they can no longer come. Every hidden act of service — You see it all.

Give our leaders wisdom and humble hearts. Give our members courage to invite, patience to forgive, and generosity that surprises people.

Make us good news in our neighborhood, Lord. May the lonely find friends here, the grieving find comfort here, the doubting find room to ask their questions, and the lost find You.

Strengthen our brothers and sisters in every land where faith is costly, and make us one family across the earth.

And when people look at us, let them see less of us and more of You.

We are Your church. Do what You will with us.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this for your own congregation — before a service, at a members' meeting, or on a quiet weekday when your church is on your heart. It's also fitting when the church anywhere in the world is going through a hard season.

A Verse to Hold On To

"Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." — Matthew 16:18 (KJV)