I’ll never forget the Sunday our small fellowship barely filled two rows. We had passion. We had the Word. But growth felt slow—until we began to pray. Not just casually. We gathered intentionally to intercede for our church, our people, and our mission.
When we pray for church growth, we’re not only asking for numbers—we’re asking for changed hearts, deeper roots, and a broader reach. True growth is both spiritual and numerical. It looks like maturity in the Word, love in action, and seats filled with lives being transformed.
This post offers 21 intercession Prayers for Church Growth—each one simple, scripture-based, and powerful. You’ll find prayers grouped by themes like discipleship, outreach, unity, and leadership.
You don’t need perfect words. You just need a willing heart.
The Purpose of These Intercession Prayers
Church growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about lives changed, leaders strengthened, and a body of believers moving together with purpose.
These intercession prayers are not magic formulas. They are invitations—inviting God to move in ways only He can. When we pray for our church, we align ourselves with His vision for His people. We become watchmen, builders, and sowers in the Spirit.
This guide focuses on four core areas of healthy church growth:
-
Spiritual maturity – Because deep roots produce lasting fruit
-
Outreach – Because the harvest is ready, and workers are needed
-
Unity – Because division kills momentum, but love fuels revival
-
Leadership – Because godly direction builds healthy churches
Each prayer is grounded in scripture. You can speak them aloud, share them in groups, or meditate on them during personal devotion. Whether you’re a pastor, a prayer team leader, or a faithful member, these prayers are for you.
They’re not just for Sundays. They’re for every day.
21 Intercession Prayers for Church Growth
These prayers are grouped into powerful themes, each with a matching scripture for deeper impact. They’re ideal for personal use, group devotion, or corporate worship.
Prayers for Spiritual Depth & Discipleship
Church growth must begin with inner strength. When believers grow deeper in faith and character, the church becomes a healthy, life-giving body.
These prayers focus on maturing the church spiritually through knowledge, discipline, and Christ-like living.
1. Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom for Congregants
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” — Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
We ask that You give our church members spiritual wisdom and revelation. Help us grow in our knowledge of You. Let every sermon, Bible study, and quiet time lead us closer to Your heart. May we never settle for shallow faith.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2. Prayer for Hearts Rooted in God’s Word
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” — Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
Heavenly Father,
We pray that our congregation would grow deep roots in Christ. Let Your Word be our anchor in every season. Build our lives on truth so our faith grows strong and our hearts stay grateful.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
3. Prayer for Mature, Fruit-bearing Disciples
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” — John 15:8 (NIV)
Gracious Father,
Help us remain in You so we can bear much fruit—fruit that glorifies You. Make us known by our love, patience, humility, and faithfulness. Let everyone who comes to our church grow as true disciples of Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4. Prayer for Growth in Faith and Character
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!” — 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
Mighty God,
Let Your grace train us to grow stronger in faith, love, and obedience. We don’t want to stay spiritual babies—teach us to live mature, disciplined lives that reflect Christ’s character.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayers for Numerical Growth & Outreach
Spiritual maturity must go hand-in-hand with reaching others. These prayers focus on evangelism, divine favor, and welcoming those whom God draws to the church.
5. Prayer to Bring New Believers to Our Church
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'” — Matthew 9:37–38 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
We ask You to bring new believers into our church family. Send out laborers into the field and prepare hearts to receive Your truth. Let our church be a place where the lost are found and discipled in love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
6. Prayer for God to Draw Seekers Near
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” — John 6:44 (NIV)
Heavenly Father,
Draw the hearts of seekers to Your presence. Let people in our city be moved by Your Spirit to seek truth and find it in You. Fill our church with souls hungry for righteousness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
7. Prayer for Favor in Our Community
“Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” — Proverbs 3:4 (NIV)
Gracious Father,
Give our church favor with our neighbors, community leaders, and those we serve. Let our witness be bright, humble, and consistent. May Your love shine through us in practical ways that draw people to Your truth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
8. Prayer for Bold Gospel Proclamation
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” — Acts 4:29 (NIV)
Mighty God,
Give us courage to speak the gospel boldly and clearly. Let no fear or shame hold us back. Equip our church to preach truth with love and conviction that brings transformation.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayers for Unity and Church Health
A healthy church is one that stands in love, forgiveness, and unity. These prayers focus on building a spiritually strong and united body of Christ.
9. Prayer for Love and Unity Among Members
“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” — John 17:21 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
Unite our church as one body, rooted in Your love. Help us set aside pride, offense, and division. Let our unity reflect the power of Your Spirit to a watching world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
10. Prayer for Forgiveness and Reconciliation
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Gracious Father,
Heal wounds within our fellowship. Give us soft hearts to forgive as You’ve forgiven us. Let reconciliation overflow so that nothing hinders our growth in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
11. Prayer Against Division and Strife
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another… and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” — 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)
Heavenly Father,
We rebuke every seed of division in our church. Bring peace where there has been strife and agreement where there’s been confusion. Let the bond of Christ keep us whole and strong.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayers for Strong Biblical Leadership
A growing church needs leaders who are full of vision, humility, and the Spirit of God. These prayers lift up pastors, elders, and all who serve in leadership.
12. Prayer for Pastoral Wisdom and Vision
“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.” — James 1:5 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
Grant our pastors and leaders divine wisdom in every decision. Fill them with heavenly insight to guide the church in Your will and purpose.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
13. Prayer for Empowered, Spirit-Led Leaders
“We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” — Acts 6:4 (NIV)
Heavenly Father,
Anoint our leaders with power from above. May they be filled daily with Your Spirit, led by prayer, and anchored in the Word as they shepherd Your people.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
14. Prayer for Humble, Servant Leadership
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV)
Mighty God,
Keep our leaders grounded in humility. Let their strength be found in serving others and putting the needs of the flock above self.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayers for Sustained Growth & Spiritual Resilience
Church growth is not a sprint—it’s a lifelong journey. These prayers help strengthen endurance, courage, protection, and multiplication so that the church stays strong and fruitful over time.
15. Prayer for Perseverance in Ministry
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Gracious Father,
Give our church strength to keep going, even when progress seems slow. Help us remain faithful and steadfast, knowing You will bring the harvest in due time.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
16. Prayer for Courage in Challenging Times
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
In times of hardship or change, fill our hearts with courage. Remind us that You are with us and will never leave our side.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
17. Prayer for God’s Covering Over Our Ministry
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” — Psalm 91:11 (NIV)
Heavenly Father,
Place Your protection over our leaders, members, and every ministry arm. Let no weapon formed against us prosper. Guard us by Your angels and Your power.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
18. Prayer for Delegate Growth and Church Multiplication
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
Mighty God,
Raise up more leaders, teachers, and workers from within. Multiply our capacity through discipleship and delegation. Expand our impact through every faithful servant.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayers for Long-Term Impact and Legacy
True church growth doesn’t end with today—it plants seeds for future generations and global impact.
These prayers are focused on building a church that will remain strong, effective, and faithful for years to come.
19. Prayer for Generations to Know Jesus
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” — Psalm 78:4 (NIV)
Gracious Father,
Let our church be a place where children and youth grow in faith. Help us pass down the gospel with clarity and love so the next generation will rise to worship You boldly.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
20. Prayer for Our Church’s Influence to Reach Nations
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
Stretch our reach beyond our walls. Use our messages, missions, and members to impact people far and wide. Let nations be blessed through what You do in us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
21. Prayer That God’s Kingdom Be Expanding Through Us
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” — Romans 8:29 (NIV)
Heavenly Father,
Use our church to multiply disciples who reflect Christ. Let our work lead others to Your kingdom, expanding not just our numbers, but Your glory in the earth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How to Pray These Prayers Together
Prayer is most powerful when it becomes a shared responsibility—not just a pastor’s duty or a moment before announcements. These intercession prayers are designed to be flexible, easy to adapt, and powerful when prayed together.
💡 Here’s how your church can use them effectively:
-
Weekly Prayer Meetings: Assign one theme each week—like discipleship, outreach, or leadership—and focus your prayer time around those specific needs.
-
Before or During Services: Invite a member to pray over the offering or ministry time using one of the prayers. It reinforces the church’s focus on growth.
-
Leadership Retreats or Planning Meetings: Begin with one or two of these prayers to set a spiritual tone before discussing church goals or strategies.
-
Small Groups & Ministries: Whether it’s the youth team or the worship team, every group can take turns praying through these themes at the beginning of their gatherings.
-
Church-wide Focus: Designate a season (like 21 days of prayer and fasting) and encourage every member to commit to praying one prayer each day.
📖 Encourage Flexibility, Not Formality
These aren’t meant to be rituals. Read them aloud. Rewrite them in your own words. Pause and wait on God. Intercede together or in silence. The point is unity in purpose, not performance.
When a church prays together—not just for needs inside the building, but for growth that reaches the streets, families, and generations—God responds with increase that no strategy can match.
Conclusion
Church growth is more than attendance—it’s about transformation. It’s about hearts turned to God, lives built on His Word, and communities shaped by the gospel. And behind every move of God in a church, you’ll often find prayer—faithful, consistent, Spirit-led intercession.
You don’t have to pray all 21 prayers in one day. You can choose one each week and pray it with your team, your family, or even in your quiet time. Whether you’re a pastor, a ministry worker, or a faithful member, your prayer matters deeply to the growth of God’s church.
Let this be your encouragement:
🕊️ “May our church be known for both its love and its reach.”
May the seeds you plant in prayer today bear fruit in souls tomorrow.
🙋♀️ FAQs – Intercession Prayers for Church Growth
1. What is intercessory prayer for church growth?
Intercessory prayer for church growth is the act of praying on behalf of the church—its people, leaders, mission, and outreach—asking God to increase both spiritual maturity and the number of people coming to faith. It involves standing in the gap and covering the church in spiritual support.
2. How often should a church pray for growth?
There’s no set rule, but consistent, intentional prayer is powerful. Many churches designate weekly prayer times, monthly prayer nights, or include growth-focused prayers in every service. Even a few committed people praying regularly can make a major impact.
3. Can lay members lead these prayers?
Yes, absolutely. Prayer is not limited to leadership. Any believer can intercede for the church. In fact, when lay members take ownership of praying, it strengthens the body as a whole.
4. Do we need to pray all 21 prayers or just choose a few?
You can use these flexibly. Some churches use one prayer per week, others select a few to focus on each season. You can also rotate through them monthly or quarterly depending on your church’s needs.
5. How do we track church growth spiritually and numerically?
Spiritual growth can be seen in discipleship engagement, deeper biblical understanding, increased prayer life, and godly character. Numerical growth includes increased attendance, salvations, baptisms, and active participation in church life. It’s important to celebrate both with humility and gratitude.