Every Christian has a deep-seated desire to see their church grow and prosper—not just in terms of membership but also in terms of spiritual vitality and influence. Praying for more church is a passionate appeal to God for the congregation’s growth, expansion, and spiritual development. These prayers are more than just requests for more members; they express a deep yearning for God to be present in every area of the church’s life.
Prayers For Increase In Church
As followers of Christ, we recognize that the church is a living entity—the body of Christ on earth—rather than merely a structure or organization. Therefore, we pray for its growth in ways that go beyond appearances and include changing people’s hearts, fostering stronger bonds between people, and advancing God’s goals for his kingdom. In this piece, we examine the numerous facets of this spiritual practice and examine the value of prayers for church attendance.
Come along on an adventure of discovery as we examine the ability of prayer to inspire development and revival in the church. I hope this study helps you to better appreciate the role that prayer plays in the life of the church, whether you are a leader in the congregation, an individual in the congregation, or just a believer with a passion for God’s kingdom.
1. Praying for Spiritual Revival in the Church
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts longing for spiritual revival in our church. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us, igniting a fire of passion for Your Word and Your presence. May we be transformed from within, renewing our commitment to love You and serve You wholeheartedly.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Lord, as we humble ourselves and seek Your face, we pray for spiritual renewal and revival in our church. Amen.
2. Seeking God’s Blessing for Church Growth
Heavenly Father, we lift up our church before You, asking for Your blessing and favor for growth and expansion. Open doors of opportunity for us to reach those who are lost and seeking, drawing them into Your family. May our church be a beacon of hope and light in our community, attracting souls to Your kingdom.
Acts 2:47
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Lord, just as You added to the early church daily, we pray for Your hand of blessing upon our church, bringing growth and fruitfulness. Amen.
3. Invoking Divine Guidance for Outreach Efforts
Dear Lord, as we embark on outreach efforts to share Your love with others, we seek Your divine guidance and direction. Lead us to those who are in need of Your saving grace, and give us wisdom in how to effectively minister to them. May Your Spirit empower us to be bold witnesses for Christ.
Proverbs 11:30
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
Lord, grant us wisdom and discernment as we seek to capture souls for Your kingdom through our outreach efforts. Amen.
4. Prayers for Increase in Church Attendance
Heavenly Father, we pray for an increase in church attendance as we gather together to worship and fellowship. Draw hearts to You, Lord, and stir a desire within individuals to be part of our church community. Remove any barriers or obstacles that may hinder people from coming, and let Your Spirit fill our sanctuary with Your presence.
Hebrews 10:25
“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Lord, may we be faithful in gathering together as Your people, encouraging one another and growing in fellowship. Amen.
5. Asking for Unity and Harmony Among Church Members
Dear Lord, we pray for unity and harmony among the members of our church family. Help us to love one another deeply, bearing with one another in patience and humility. May Your Spirit bind us together in peace, so that we may be a testimony of Your love to the world.
Ephesians 4:3
“…eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Lord, help us to be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit, striving together in love and harmony. Amen.
6. Praying for Financial Provision for the Church
Heavenly Father, we come before You with our needs, including the financial provision for our church. You are the ultimate provider, and we trust in Your abundance to meet all our needs according to Your riches in glory. Open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon our church, that we may continue to advance Your kingdom and fulfill Your purposes.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Lord, we trust in Your promise to supply all our needs. Provide for our church abundantly, that we may continue to glorify Your name. Amen.
7. Seeking God’s Favor for Evangelistic Initiatives
Dear Lord, we lift up our evangelistic initiatives before You, asking for Your favor and blessing upon them. Open doors of opportunity for us to share the gospel with boldness and clarity. Soften hearts and draw people to yourself so that they may come to know you as their Savior and Lord.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Lord, as we go and make disciples, may Your presence be with us always, guiding and empowering us. Amen.
8. Invoking the Holy Spirit’s Presence in Church Services
Dear Holy Spirit, we invite Your presence into our church services, so that You may move among us with power and authority. Fill our hearts with Your love, our mouths with Your words, and our worship with Your glory. Manifest Your gifts and fruit in our midst, that all who gather may be drawn closer to You.
Acts 2:1-4
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Holy Spirit, come and fill us afresh, as You did on the day of Pentecost. Empower us to be effective witnesses for Christ. Amen.
9. Prayers for Increase in Youth and Children’s Ministries
Heavenly Father, we pray for an increase in our youth and children’s ministries, so that young hearts may be reached and transformed by Your love. Raise up leaders and volunteers who have a passion for disciplining the next generation. Pour out Your Spirit upon our youth and children, that they may become mighty warriors for Your kingdom.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Lord, we thank You for the gift of children and youth. May our ministries be fruitful in nurturing them in Your ways. Amen.
10. Asking for Wisdom in Leadership Decisions
Dear Lord, we pray for wisdom and discernment for our church leaders as they make decisions that impact our congregation. Grant them insight and clarity of mind as they seek your will in all matters. Guide them in the paths of righteousness, so that our church may flourish under their leadership.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Lord, we ask for Your wisdom to be upon our leaders, that they may lead us with integrity and wisdom. Amen.
11. Praying for Effective Discipleship Programs
Heavenly Father, we lift up our discipleship programs before You, asking for Your guidance and blessing upon them. Equip us to make disciples who are rooted in Your Word, grounded in Your love, and passionate about serving others. May these programs bear much fruit in the lives of those who participate, leading to spiritual growth and transformation.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Lord, empower us to fulfill the Great Commission through our discipleship programs. Amen.
12. Seeking Healing and Restoration in the Church Body
Dear Lord, we pray for healing and restoration within our church body, where there may be brokenness, division, or discord. Heal the wounds of the past, mend relationships, and bring reconciliation among Your people. May Your love and grace abound in our midst, restoring us to wholeness and unity.
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Lord, as we confess our sins and pray for one another, we ask for Your healing touch upon our church body. Amen.
13. Invoking God’s Protection Over the Church Community
Heavenly Father, we pray for Your protection over our church community, guarding us from all harm and evil. Surround us with Your mighty angels, encamping around us and keeping us safe from every danger. Shield us from spiritual attacks, physical threats, and any form of adversity that may come against us.
Psalms 91:11-12
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Lord, we trust in Your promise of protection. Cover us with Your wings and keep us safe under Your care. Amen.
14. Prayers for Increase in Worship and Praise
Dear Lord, we pray for an increase in worship and praise within our church, as we lift our voices and hearts to exalt Your name. Stir within us a passion for Your presence, drawing us closer to You in adoration and reverence. May our worship be pleasing to You, filling the heavens with the sweet fragrance of our praise.
Psalms 95:1-2
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”
Lord, may our worship be a pleasing offering unto You, bringing glory and honor to Your name. Amen.
15. Asking for Divine Guidance in Reaching the Unchurched
Heavenly Father, we pray for divine guidance as we reach out to the unchurched in our community. Lead us to those who are lost and searching for meaning and purpose in life. Open their hearts to receive Your love and grace, that they may come to know You as their Savior and Lord.
Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'”
Lord, we pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest field, proclaiming Your gospel to the lost. Amen.
16. Praying for Strength and Perseverance in Missionary Work
Heavenly Father, we lift up our missionaries before You, asking for strength and perseverance as they spread Your gospel to the ends of the earth. Strengthen them in body, mind, and spirit, empowering them to overcome obstacles and challenges they may face. Grant them boldness and courage to proclaim Your truth, and may Your Holy Spirit go before them, preparing hearts to receive Your word.
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Lord, renew the strength of our missionaries, so that they may continue to serve You faithfully and effectively. Amen.
17. Seeking God’s Direction for Church Planting Efforts
Dear Lord, we seek Your direction and guidance for our church planting efforts. Lead us to communities in need of Your light and truth, and grant us wisdom in establishing new churches. Provide resources, manpower, and divine connections to fulfill Your purposes, so that Your kingdom may expand and grow.
Matthew 16:18
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Lord, as we seek to establish new churches, may Your mighty hand be upon us, ensuring the success of our endeavors. Amen.
18. Invoking God’s Favor for Building Expansion Projects
Heavenly Father, we pray for Your favor and blessing upon our building expansion projects. Provide the resources needed to complete these projects according to Your will and timing. Bless the work of our hands and multiply our efforts, so that we may create spaces conducive to worship, fellowship, and ministry.
1 Chronicles 29:16
“O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.”
Lord, we acknowledge that all we have comes from You. Bless our building projects, that they may bring glory and honor to Your name. Amen.
19. Prayers for Increase in Volunteer Engagement
Dear Lord, we pray for an increase in volunteer engagement within our church, as members step forward to serve You and others with joy and enthusiasm. Stir hearts with a desire to use their gifts and talents for the building up of Your kingdom. May our church be a place where everyone has a role to play and feels valued and appreciated.
1 Peter 4:10
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Lord, help us to be good stewards of the gifts You have given us, using them to serve one another and advance Your kingdom. Amen.
20. Asking for God’s Blessing on Small Group Ministries
Heavenly Father, we pray for Your blessing on our small group ministries, where deeper fellowship and discipleship take place. May these groups be places of encouragement, accountability, and growth in Your Word. Strengthen relationships and deepen faith as we gather together to study, pray, and support one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Lord, may our small group ministries be places where we spur one another on to love and good deeds, growing in unity and faith. Amen.
Conclusion
In summary, praying for more church attendance is more than just a ceremonial practice; it’s a sincere declaration of one’s faith and reliance on God’s omnipotence. These prayers include a wide variety of goals, from spiritual revival to numerical expansion, from harmony and unity to outreach and mission, as we have discussed in this essay.
May us continue to pray for our churches with hope and faith, knowing that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people. I pray that our churches will enter a new phase of growth and development, both in terms of membership and spiritual influence and depth. May all praise and acclaim go to our obedient God, who is able to accomplish far more than we could ever ask or imagine. Indeed.
