A pastor’s wife is often in the shadow of the man who fills the pulpit every Sunday. Most of the time, she is pleased that God has called her husband to this place of selfless service, but there are days when she wishes for a more “normal” life. She listens to her husband’s dreams for the ministry and creates a safe haven for him when it seems he has no friends. She loves and respects him, prays for him, and serves him.
Most people focus on the needs of their pastor, and one of the greatest gifts a congregation can give to him is to pray for and care for his wife and family.
We must remember that pastors’ wives are human. They face the same challenges as other women in the congregation. They are tempted to sin, grow weary in ministry, and often struggle to balance their roles and responsibilities.
Your pastor’s wife needs encouragement, friendships, support, practical help, and most of all, earnest prayer. Your prayers are crucial to her spiritual and emotional health, and God will reward your efforts to cover your pastor’s wife in prayer.
As you accept the challenge to pray for your pastor’s wife, let her know that you are praying for her. Ask her if she has specific prayer requests. The following prayer guide with accompanying Scriptures offers some practical ways to pray for her.
Day One: The Greatest Commandment
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33
Pray that your pastor’s wife will love God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. Pray that God’s Spirit will work in her heart in power and that she will value and follow biblical priorities.
Day Two: Strong Character and Integrity
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1:5, 3:7; Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” —Proverbs 4:23
Pray that she will cultivate strong character and uncompromising integrity. Pray that her testimony will be genuine and that she will guard her heart.
Day Three: Pursuing Jesus
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:15–16; Psalm 119:7
“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.” —2 Timothy 2:15
Pray for her personal walk with God—that her soul and spirit will be nourished and strengthened in her times with Him. Pray that she will spend more time in the Word of God than in reading Christian books and articles.
Day Four: Growing in Discernment
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:99; James 1:5–6
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” —James 1:5
Pray that your pastor’s wife will counsel and teach with discernment through the wise use of Scripture and with faith in God’s power.
Day Five: A Submissive Heart
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:23–33
“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” —Ephesians 5:23–24
Ask God to protect her marriage and keep it strong as a model of the Church’s submission to Christ. Pray that she will respect and practice godly submission to her husband’s leadership and that her husband will love and cherish her.
Day Six: Facing Critics with Grace
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:15; Psalm 119:42; Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 31:26; 1 Peter 2:23
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” —Proverbs 31:26
Pray that God will protect your pastor’s wife from discouragement and bitterness when she or her husband faces inevitable criticism. Pray that she will trust in the wisdom of the Word of God to answer her critics and commit herself into the hands of God, who judges righteously.
Day Seven: Comforted in the Word
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:28, 52
“When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord.” —Psalm 119:52
Pray that your pastor’s wife will remember truth and practical principles from the Word of God during times of trial and that the Scriptures will bring her comfort. Pray that the
Word will become her delight and song when circumstances are tough.
Day Eight: Protection from Evil
Scripture Reading: John 17:15; Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 91:9–11
“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.” —Psalm 91:9
Ask God to protect your pastor’s wife from the evil plots of Satan. Pray that she will not be corrupted as she rubs shoulders with the world.
Day Nine: Prayer Hedges
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:6; Proverbs 31:11; 2 Corinthians 10:4–5
“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” —Proverbs 31:11
Pray that God will build a hedge of protection around her marriage and that she and her husband will be aware of the potential for any improper relationships. Pray that their family time will be protected.
Day Ten: A Guarded Heart
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:14; Ephesians 6:10–18
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” —Romans 13:14
Pray that your pastor’s wife will be morally pure and that she will wear the armor of God so that she will not fall into sexual temptation. Ask God to guard her heart concerning the use of free time and that she will be especially discerning in her use of e-mails, the Internet, television, and other media.
Day Eleven: Deep Friendships
Scripture Reading: Psalm 55:14, 119:63; Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.” —Proverbs 13:20
Pray that God will bring godly friends and encouragers to your pastor’s wife and her family to strengthen them for the ministry and to provide meaningful fellowship, accountability, and times of rest.
Day Twelve: Prayer and Worship
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Acts 1:14; Mark 1:35; Matthew 4:10; Titus 2:4–5
“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
Pray that she will be a woman of prayer and worship and that she will lead by example—teaching women how to walk in a close relationship with the Father.
Day Thirteen: A Balanced Life
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, 9:27, 10:13; Proverbs 31:17
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” —1 Corinthians 9:27
Your pastor’s wife is a busy woman. Pray that she will make wise lifestyle choices in order to protect her health, especially in the areas of exercise, eating moderately, and getting sufficient rest. Pray for times of relaxation and renewal to balance the stress of ministry.
Day Fourteen: Fearing God
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 19:23, 31:30; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 119:45; Ephesians 1:3–12
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6
Pray that your pastor’s wife will focus on the Word of God and walk by faith in the fear of the Lord—rather than the fear of man. Pray that she will not seek acceptance from others or compare herself with them, but that she will discover true freedom in her position in Christ.
Day Fifteen: A Godly Home
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:20–21
“Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” —Ephesians 6:4
Pray that she will cooperate with her husband in providing godly leadership in their home, not based on fear of what others will think, but according to scriptural truth. (If your pastor’s wife does not have children, pray that God will give her many “spiritual children” as she shares the truth of God’s Word.)
Day Sixteen: A Contented Heart
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6, 8
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” —1 Timothy 6:5
Pray that your pastor’s wife will be an example of contentment, thankful for God’s supply. Pray that her sufficiency will be in God’s abounding grace.
Day Seventeen: Stewarding Finances
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:11; Psalm 37:25, 119:36–37
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” —1 Timothy 6:11
Ask God to provide for the financial needs of your pastor and his family. Pray that your pastor’s wife will be a wise steward in caring for her family and using funds entrusted to her care. Pray that her heart will be turned away from selfish gain and worthless things.
Day Eighteen: Stewarding Time
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15–16; Colossians 4:5; Psalm 90:12; Proverbs 31:27
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” —Ephesians 5:15–16
Pray that your pastor’s wife will use time wisely, seek God’s perspective for her schedule and priorities, and guard against unnecessary interruptions. Pray that she will seek and obey God’s will rather than trying to meet everyone else’s expectations.
Day Nineteen: Anchored to God
Scripture Reading: Psalm 9:9–10, 42:5, 71:14; Hebrews 6:19
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” —Psalm 9:9–10
Ask God to remind her of the hope and refuge God offers her each day. Pray that she will be encouraged in God, knowing that He is a firm, secure anchor for her soul.
Day Twenty: Wise with Words
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 11:13, 21:23, 31:26; 1 Peter 3:10
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” —Proverbs 31:26
Pray that your pastor’s wife will be wise in her conversations, choosing her words carefully to encourage respect for her husband and the church and to edify her sisters in the Lord. Pray that she will know how to respond to gossip and that she will always speak with kindness and compassion.
Day Twenty-One: A Servant’s Heart
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:3–4; Proverbs 31:20
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” —Philippians 2:3–4
Pray that she will serve others with God’s agape love and encourage them with His wisdom and compassion.
Day Twenty-Two: Ministry Team Unity
Scripture Reading: Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 12:25
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” —Romans 14:19
Pray for spiritual unity between the pastor’s wife and others in the church—especially other staff members’ wives. Pray that the enemy will not be allowed to create divisions, strife, or misunderstanding in any way.
Day Twenty-Three: Clothed with Christ
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:25; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Peter 3:4
“Strength and dignity are her clothing.” —Proverbs 31:25
Pray that your pastor’s wife will be clothed with strength and dignity. Pray that she will have a gentle and gracious spirit and represent the Lord well as His ambassador.
Day Twenty-Four: A Heart for Revival
Scripture Reading: 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.” —2 Chronicles 7:14
Pray that your pastor’s wife will seek God for personal revival and revival in your church and community. Pray that she will quickly repent when she sins or strays from her Good
Shepherd’s side and that she learn the will and ways of God.
Day Twenty-Five: The Mind of Christ
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:46
“I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame.” —Psalm 119:46
Pray that your pastor’s wife will think biblically—with the mind of Christ—and practice the expression of her faith with boldness in places of influence.
Day Twenty-Six: Seeking God’s Will
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Luke 9:23–24
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” —1 Samuel 15:22
Pray that she will earnestly seek God’s will and be committed to instant and complete obedience—ready for God to work powerfully in and through her life and ministry.
Day Twenty-Seven: Virtuous Excellence
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:10–31
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
—Proverbs 31:30
Pray that she will strive for personal excellence as a Proverbs 31 woman and will believe God to accomplish His will in her as a virtuous woman.
Day Twenty-Eight: A Growing Faith
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:18; Proverbs 3:5–6
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” —1 John 4:18
Pray that your pastor’s wife will be a woman of faith and passionate love for God, not giving in to worries, fears, or an uptight and anxious spirit.
Day Twenty-Nine: Counseled by the Word
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 119:24
"Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors." —Psalm 119:24
Pray that the Word will be her counselor and that she will serve the Lord with gladness and encourage others to worship with a joyful, surrendered spirit.
Day Thirty: Growing in Humility
Scripture Reading: Micah 6:8; Galatians 6:14; John 7:17–18; 1 Corinthians 10:13
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” —Micah 6:8
Pray that your pastor’s wife will be humble and authentic in her faith, not given to pride or hypocrisy. Pray that she will have pure motives and give God glory for every gain or victory.
© Used with permission. https://www.reviveourhearts.com