What Does the Bible Say About Praying For Your Spiritual Leaders?

Romans 13:1 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Hebrews 13:7 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV / 5 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV / 5 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ...

Acts 20:28 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Acts 17:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

1 Peter 2:13-17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

James 5:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes

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.

1 Timothy 2:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Pray without ceasing,

Romans 15:30 ESV / 3 helpful votes

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ...

Proverbs 21:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Psalm 122:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!

Revelation 19:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Philemon 1:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes

At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

1 Timothy 3:1-16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ...

1 Timothy 2:1-3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Philippians 1:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,

Ephesians 6:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 5:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

Galatians 6:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 1:1-24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. ...

2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 9:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

Romans 13:1-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ...

Romans 10:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Acts 6:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Acts 5:29 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 6:26 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

Matthew 28:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matthew 20:25-28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 7:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 6:9-13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 5:44 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Daniel 4:1-37 ESV / 2 helpful votes

King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation. I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me. ...

Daniel 2:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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.

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

49 Bible Verses about Praying For Your Spiritual Leaders

Romans 13:1 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 13:7 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 20:28 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 17:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 2:13-17 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 5:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 2:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 15:30 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 122:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 19:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philemon 1:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 3:1-16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 2:1-3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 1:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 6:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 6:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:22 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 6:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 1:1-24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 9:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:1-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 10:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 6:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 5:29 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:26 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 28:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 20:25-28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 7:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:9-13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:44 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Daniel 4:1-37 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Daniel 2:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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