When my husband and I go to communities to share with prophetic intercessors and church leaders, we are consistently asked about the seeming lack of pastoral support for community prayer. This usually comes up after we talk about the critical role local pastors must play in praying for community and regional breakthrough.

Many intercessors express frustration about approaching pastors because they are too busy with their own congregations and don’t have the time — or even the interest — to put toward community or regional prayer initiatives. Though there are certainly pastors who love intercession and embrace it wholeheartedly, many others don’t. And when we dig a little deeper into these conversations, I have noticed a common thread.

Establishing Trust

Many times, intercessors approach pastors with the latest prophetic intel about the church or an invitation to support a prayer cause. And though neither of these ideas are wrong, they may be premature. The pastors who are truly called as shepherds to the flock are usually already overloaded in caring for people and tend to feel inadequate as it is. To suggest they need to take on another assignment — or are not spiritually attuned to the greater needs of the community — can be overwhelming. And many times, what they actually hear (internally) is that they are not spiritually aware like the intercessors are. Thus, they end up distancing themselves instead of feeling inspired to join the cause.

As pastors ourselves, we have found that the very first step in getting a pastor interested or engaged in any prayer initiative is to first care about him or her personally. Let them know you want to pray for their needs and concerns — period. Don’t attach it to any other agenda. Simply let them know you are available and willing to pray for them in a way that is meaningful to them.

The fact is, trust needs to be established before engagement can happen. Pastors of smaller community churches are particularly overworked and underpaid, and getting constant criticism from congregants who aren’t satisfied. So the best approach in gaining a pastor’s support for community prayer is to first ask how you can pray for their family, their need for rest and relaxation, or their health and wellbeing. As they see you actually care about them as a person and not just a means to advancing your own spiritual agenda, they will begin to value your input. They will learn to trust your intentions and be more open to hearing your heart and vision in the future.

Love Covers All

Building trust is foundational in establishing spiritual unity and oneness in prayer. Our love for one another must supersede our quest for regional breakthrough. The power of our prayers is not a result of our numbers, creative initiatives, or leadership clout. The spiritual authority we have in prayer starts when we learn to sincerely love one another and joyfully embrace each one’s “part” (1 Corinthians 12:24–25).

In a time when pastoral leaders are being highly scrutinized amidst exposures of immorality and misconduct, we need to be even more intentional in covering and guarding those in prayer who walk in integrity and are being faithful in their charge. Corporate breakthrough requires oneness of heart, not just unity of cause.

We may just find that our spiritual authority is determined more by our mutual love and submission to one another than by the latest prophetic word or strategic prayer event.

Wanda Alger has been in ministry for over 35 years as a worship leader, teacher, author, deliverance counselor, and speaker. She is an ordained and commissioned fivefold leader, and passionate about interpreting life from Heaven’s perspective. Wanda is answering a call to speak to the body of Christ about the mountain of government, godly leadership, and Kingdom authority. Since an unexpected angelic encounter in 2002, Wanda ministers through a spirit of wisdom and revelation that empowers believers to know their authority, embrace their calling, and demonstrate heavenly realities on the earth (Ephesians 1:17). A former writer with Intercessors for America, Wanda has also contributed to numerous national publications such as The Elijah List, Charisma Magazine, Spirit Fuel, and The Christian Post. In addition to her blogs and website, Wanda hosts a YouTube and Rumble channel, where she posts weekly prophetic insights and teachings. You can also find her on numerous social media platforms including Telegram, Facebook, and Truth Social; her books and other resources are available at wandaalger.me.