If there was a spiritual discipline that was lacking in pastors today, it would surely be prayer. I speak in a general sense, of course, but many of my pastoral colleagues have admitted that prayer is often neglected in their life and ministry. I have done the same.

As we look back on the annuls of history, we see a common theme. Jesus prayed. The early disciples prayed. The saints of old over 2000 years of church history prayed. It is safe to say that every person used mightily of God, prayed. Try to find an exception to this rule. You won’t.

Pastors and church leaders know this. We teach and give credence to the power of prayer. And yet we often neglect this critical discipline. If we are going to experience church revitalization (something we all long for) it must start with a renewed emphasis on prayer.

Here are 6 principles for pastors related to prayer.     

Prayer is your most important work

The pastor’s task list is not small. There are plenty of responsibilities that keep the average pastor hopping. But the pastor should never view prayer as just another thing to fit it into his busy schedule. It comes down to priorities.

As the early church was rapidly growing and the apostles were feeling the burden, a solution was found in appointing seven deacons to serve and help carry the load. The apostles, in turn, would devote themselves “to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

Prayer and bible study are the pastors two non-negotiable priorities.   Set aside time each week where you are locked in your study, alone with God, seeking His face (Psalm 27:8). Strive to live out the command to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).     

Start your day in prayer

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” (Mark 1:35). This was Jesus’ regular habit. It is not just a model but the model for pastors.

If you are neglecting devotional and prayer time first thing in the morning, it will be evident later in the day. Jesus’ preaching ministry (Mark 1:38-39) was energized and empowered by his dynamic prayer life. If you want to be your best for the Lord, prayer is never something to short-change.    

John Wesley was famous for rising at 4 or 5 in the morning for the purpose of prayer. It is precisely because of Wesley’s disciplined prayer life that he was able to do much for the Lord. Church history is loaded with testimonies much like this.

While I am not suggesting you should get up at 4 or 5am, I am suggesting you start the day in prayer. Perhaps consider getting up 15 minutes earlier than you currently do, to be with the Lord.    

Emphasize corporate prayer

Many churches still have the traditional Wednesday night prayer service, but there are many ways of facilitating prayer. I know of one large church that has 8 different corporate prayer times throughout the week. In that church, if someone wants to pray with other believers, no matter how busy they are, they will find a time that works.  

Pastors should emphasize the value of individual (private) prayer. However, that should be balanced with an emphasis on corporate prayer. When God’s people come together to call upon His Name, it is powerful! When Charles Spurgeon hosted visitors to the Metropolitan Tabernacle, he would often take them down to the church basement, which housed the prayer-room. He would then declare, “Here is the powerhouse of this church.”  

Pray “specific” prayers

The more specific the prayer, the better. Rather than, “Lord, I pray for the salvation of souls in Philadelphia,” pray, “Lord, please save my neighbors, John and Sally Smith.” Obviously, it not wrong to pray in more of a general sense, but when prayer is more targeted and specific, it is much easier to see how God answers those prayers.

God is saving people all the time, all over the world, it’s just that most of the time you don’t see it. But when God does save your neighbors down the street, it’s exciting! After having prayed for them, you can give him praise and glory.   

Pastor, as you get alone with your Heavenly Father, aim to pray specific prayers. As those prayers are answered, make sure to celebrate and give thanks for God’s grace and mercy in your life. Along with that, teach your flock to pray specific prayers. It won’t be long before they see that God in the business of answering prayer (Matthew 7:7-8, John 5:14-15).

Pray the prayers of the Bible

God has given His people a prayer book. We call it the Bible. Though there are many literary genres in the Bible, they all contain prayers.

There are times, even as pastors, where we don’t know how to pray or what to pray. Don’t despair – go to the Word. The book of Psalms is filled with prayers. The prayers of Paul are pure gold. The prayers of Jesus (Luke 11:1-4, John 17) instruct and model what true prayer is.

As we immerse ourselves in the prayers of the Bible, our prayers naturally begin to mirror them. Prayer is not something we ever master. Rather, we should always see ourselves in the school of prayer. Whether in big groups or small, be sure to utilize the prayers of the Bible. As you draw from the treasury of Scripture, not only will it enrich your prayers, but it will provide a model for church members to follow.

Fill your home with prayer

One of the most common things the pastor’s family should hear him say is, “let’s pray.” Not just at mealtime, but all the time. Start the day in prayer; end the day in prayer. Whenever you have times of “family worship,” make prayer a central feature. Before you take a trip somewhere, start off in prayer.    

For the Christian, prayer is our lifeline. Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Pastor, do you believe this? Is prayer normal and natural for you? Is it modelled in your home?

The Puritan Thomas Brooks once said, “A family without prayer is like a house without a roof, open and exposed to all the storms.” Don’t leave home without covering your family in prayer each morning. Be sure and challenge all the husbands and fathers in your church to do the same.  

As a final word, strive to foster a culture of prayer within your church. A church that does not pray cannot rightly be called a church. As an under-shepherd, lead your people to the One who truly satisfies the thirst of their souls, that they might call upon His Name (Romans 10:13). 

Always remember that as a “man of God” (1 Timothy 6:11), you must be with God. Prayer is, in essence, the overflow of a heart that burns for God. You desire God, and therefore must commune with God. It follows that prayer is not a secondary, “get to it if I can” kind of thing. It’s is your main business. Never neglect it.