There is little doubt that the role of the pastor’s wife is one of the most difficult positions on the planet. It can be lonely, heart-breaking, confusing, frustrating, and downright discouraging. At Care for Pastors, we understand the unique challenges that are faced by the pastor and his family. Here are some suggestions on how you might pray for your pastor’s wife:
- Pray for her spiritual protection. There is real spiritual warfare surrounding the pastor and his family. If the enemy can discourage the pastor’s wife, he can effectively impact the ministry. Ask God to shield her from the attacks of the evil one. (Psalm 3:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Ephesians 6:10-11)
- Pray for her relationships with her children. Ask God to give her wisdom and insight as she seeks to raise her children in a Christ-honoring way. (Ephesians 6:1-4)
- Pray for her emotional and physical well-being. Ask God to provide special sources of joy, creative ways to express her unique personality, and fulfilling ways to remain physically active. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
- Pray that God will surround her with loyal and meaningful friendships. (Galatians 6:2)
- Pray that God will supply all her needs. (Philippians 4:19)
- Pray that God will give her wisdom and insight as she counsels with others. (Colossians 1:9-11)
- Pray that God will show her how to use her spiritual gifts in the church. The pastor’s wife should be encouraged to serve in places that allow her to use her unique giftedness. She should not be expected to fill every role that is traditionally held by “the pastor’s wife”. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
- Pray that she will know the love of God, experience the peace of God, and walk in the grace of God. (Romans 8:1-39)
- Pray that God will give her strength, wisdom, and courage to live as a true follower of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
- Pray that she will learn to live as a new creation of great worth, deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing to the Father, totally accepted by God and absolutely complete in Christ. (Ephesians 1:1-23)
If you’re a pastor’s wife facing challenges in your life and ministry, know that you’re not alone. Care for Pastors has created a private Facebook Group for pastors’ wives to support, encourage and pray for one another called The Confidante for Pastors’ Wives. Here you can connect with other pastors’ wives who understand the unique challenges of ministry and can come alongside you in your journey. If you would like to join The Confidante Facebook Group or learn more about our additional resources for pastors’ wives, visit careforpastors.org/pastors-wives.
I have 2 sons who are pastors….I love their wives with all my heart…(as well as the other two sons who walk with the Lord AND have loving, godly wives)
Thank you for this reminder!!!
Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words.
Wow! Getting to see this gladdens my heart. I have been so down lately emotionally, psychologically, financially, and spiritually…..Thank God for this community and thank you for your response to God for being an encourager to us pastors’ wives. God bless you!
I appreciate every one of these insights and am thankful there are people aware of our needs…but I believe you need to add another point…”Pray for her relationship with her husband…”.
The change you suggested has been added to my notes. You were the second person to suggest the change. I think it is an important aspect of praying for the pastor’s wife. Thank you. “Pray for her relationship with her husband.” is now number 11.
We need to be praying for Leadership in the church