Verse a Prayer

Bible verses for pastors

"Shepherd" is one of the Bible's oldest images for someone who cares for people in God's name. Jeremiah promises shepherds after God's own heart; Peter asks them to tend the flock willingly, as examples and not as lords; Paul tells Timothy to preach the Word in season and out of season; Jesus, restoring Peter, repeats three times: "feed my sheep". The Bible also asks the community to recognize and esteem those who lead it. The verses on this page are for Pastor Appreciation Day, for an ordination anniversary, for the church card, for prayer over leadership and for the tired pastor who needs to remember whom the flock belongs to. Choose one and pray with his or her name — pastors are prayed for far less often than they pray for others.

  1. I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

    Jeremiah 3:15See in the chapter

  2. shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly; not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.

    1 Peter 5:2-3See in the chapter

  3. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

    Hebrews 13:17See in the chapter

  4. This is a faithful saying: someone who seeks to be an overseer desires a good work.

    1 Timothy 3:1See in the chapter

  5. preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.

    2 Timothy 4:2See in the chapter

  6. He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ,

    Ephesians 4:11-12See in the chapter

  7. He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

    John 21:16See in the chapter

  8. But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

    1 Thessalonians 5:12-13See in the chapter

Frequently asked questions

Which verse honors a pastor?

Jeremiah 3:15 ("I will give you shepherds according to my heart") and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, which asks for esteem and love for those who labor among us.

How do I pray for my pastor?

Ask for wisdom to teach, health, protection for the family, humility and rest. 2 Timothy 4:2 and 1 Peter 5:2-3 give the outline of what to pray for.

What does the Bible say about a pastor's work?

To tend the flock willingly and be an example (1 Peter 5:2-3), to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2) and to equip the saints for service (Ephesians 4:11-12).

See also

WisdomVerses to ask for and cultivate wisdom: the fear of the Lord as the beginning, trusting with all your heart and asking without doubting.StrengthVerses for days when your legs give way: strength that comes from God, renewed like the eagle's.CommunionVerses for the Lord's Supper: do this in memory of me, the bread of life, sharing in the body and blood of Christ.

Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.