What Does the Bible Say About Women Pastors?

Quick Answer

The Bible does not support women serving as pastors or elders. Key passages like 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 prohibit women from having authority over men in the church or teaching them. This instruction is based on God’s created order and is not limited to a specific cultural context. While women are equal in value and can serve in many vital ministry roles, the office of pastor or elder is reserved for qualified men according to Scripture.

The role of women in church leadership, particularly as pastors, has been a topic of intense debate among Christians for decades. This article aims to provide a comprehensive, biblically-based examination of this issue, considering various perspectives while ultimately presenting the view most consistent with Scripture.

Historical Context

To understand the Bible’s teaching on women pastors, we must first consider the historical context. In the ancient world, including Jewish society, women were often marginalized and excluded from religious leadership. However, Jesus radically elevated the status of women, including them among his followers and appearing first to women after his resurrection (John 20:1-18).

The early church continued this trend, with women playing significant roles in ministry (Romans 16:1-16). However, the question remains: did this inclusion extend to the office of pastor or elder?

Key Biblical Passages

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

1 Timothy 2:11-14 (ESV)

This passage is central to the debate. Paul prohibits women from teaching or having authority over men in the church. He grounds this instruction in the created order and the events of the Fall, suggesting it’s not culturally limited.

The women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 (ESV)

While some argue this refers to a specific situation in Corinth, others see it as a universal principle consistent with 1 Timothy 2.

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Titus 1:5-9 (ESV)

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? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV)

These passages list qualifications for elders/overseers, consistently using male pronouns and referring to being “the husband of one wife.”

See more: Bible Verses about Women Pastors

Interpretations and Arguments

Complementarian View

The complementarian view, held by many conservative evangelicals, argues that men and women are equal in value but have different, complementary roles in the church and home. They interpret the above passages as prohibiting women from serving as pastors or elders.

Arguments for this view include:

  1. The clear language of 1 Timothy 2:12
  2. The appeal to creation order in 1 Timothy 2:13
  3. The consistent use of male pronouns for elders in the New Testament
  4. The pattern of male leadership in the Old Testament priesthood and among Jesus’ apostles

Egalitarian View

The egalitarian view argues that women can serve in all church roles, including as pastors. They offer alternative interpretations of the key passages:

  1. 1 Timothy 2 addresses a specific cultural situation in Ephesus
  2. “Assume authority” in 1 Timothy 2:12 refers to domineering authority, not legitimate church leadership
  3. Galatians 3:28 suggests role distinctions are eliminated in Christ
  4. Examples of women leaders in the Bible (e.g., Deborah, Priscilla) support women in leadership

Evaluating the Arguments

While both views present thoughtful arguments, the complementarian view appears more consistent with the plain reading of Scripture and the church’s historical understanding. The egalitarian interpretations, while well-intentioned, often require more complex explanations that seem to strain the natural meaning of the texts.

The appeal to creation order in 1 Timothy 2:13 is particularly significant, as it grounds the teaching in God’s design rather than cultural norms. Furthermore, the consistent pattern of male leadership in both Old and New Testaments supports this understanding.

Women’s Vital Role in Ministry

It’s crucial to emphasize that restricting the office of pastor/elder to men does not diminish the value or giftedness of women. The New Testament affirms many vital ministry roles for women:

Teaching Other Women (Titus 2:3-5)

Older women are instructed to teach younger women about godly living, including how to love their husbands and children, and manage their homes. This mentoring role is crucial for passing on biblical wisdom and practical life skills.

Teaching Children (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15)

Women play a pivotal role in instructing children in the faith, as exemplified by Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. This includes both formal settings like Sunday school and informal teaching in the home.

Prophesying (Acts 21:9, 1 Corinthians 11:5)

Women in the New Testament were involved in prophetic ministry, sharing divine insights and encouragement with the church. This gift allows women to contribute significantly to the spiritual growth of the congregation.

Serving as Deaconesses (Romans 16:1)

Women like Phoebe served in official capacities in the early church, likely in roles focused on practical service and care for the congregation.

Partnering in Ministry (Romans 16:3-5)

Couples like Priscilla and Aquila worked together in ministry, hosting house churches and discipling others. This highlights the importance of women’s contributions to church planting and growth.

Discipling Others (Acts 18:26)

Women can play a crucial role in one-on-one or small group discipleship, helping both men and women grow in their faith and understanding of Scripture.

Conclusion

Based on a careful examination of Scripture, it appears that the office of pastor/elder is reserved for qualified men. However, this in no way diminishes the essential role of women in the church. Women are equally valuable to God, equally gifted by the Holy Spirit, and vital to the health and mission of the church.

Churches should seek to empower women in the many areas of ministry open to them, while respecting the biblical pattern for church leadership. By doing so, they honor God’s design and unleash the full potential of all believers in service to Christ and His kingdom.

References

  1. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-women-become-pastors
  2. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/women-as-ministers
  3. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-we-call-female-leaders-pastors
  4. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-not-to-have-a-woman-preach
  5. https://www.gotquestions.org/women-pastors.html
  6. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/women-preach-churches
  7. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/1-timothy-2-12-teach
  8. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/bible-support-female-deacons-no
  9. https://blogs.bible.org/can-a-woman-be-a-pastor-looking-at-the-new-testament
  10. https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-7-conduct-women-church-1-timothy-29-15
  11. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/female-authority
  12. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/qas/what-ministry-roles-can-women-fill-in-the-church
  13. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/women-speaking-in-church
  14. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/womans-mandate
  15. https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/81-56/does-the-bible-permit-a-woman-to-preach
  16. https://www.gty.org/library/questions/QA127/can-women-serve-as-pastors-and-elders-in-the-church
  17. https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0248/can-women-be-pastors
  18. https://www.gty.org/library/articles/A168/gods-high-call-for-women
  19. https://www.gty.org/library/articles/DD08/the-role-of-women
  20. https://www.compellingtruth.org/women-pastors.html
  21. https://www.compellingtruth.org/women-in-ministry.html
  22. https://www.compellingtruth.org/women-missionaries.html
  23. https://www.compellingtruth.org/women-worship-leaders.html
  24. https://www.compellingtruth.org/women-elders.html
  25. https://www.9marks.org/article/can-women-be-pastors-but-not-elders
  26. https://www.9marks.org/article/may-women-serve-pastors
  27. https://www.9marks.org/answer/can-women-be-pastors-or-elders
  28. https://www.9marks.org/article/must-women-be-silent-in-churches
  29. https://www.9marks.org/article/should-women-teach-thoughts-on-function-office-and-1-timothy-212
  30. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/what-is-the-biblical-stand-on-a-woman-pastor-and-her-submission-to-her-husband
  31. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/leave-church-women-elders
  32. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/what-does-bible-teach-about-women-pastors
  33. https://www.neverthirsty.org/blog/speaking-out/rise-of-women-pastors
  34. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/did-jesus-use-women-teach-men-women-children
  35. https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/the-place-and-posture-of-christian-women-part-2
  36. https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/the-place-and-posture-of-christian-women-part-1
  37. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/posts/womens-ordination-and-rc-sproul
  38. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2020/03/women-in-the-pulpit

Prayer for This World

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today in awe of Your greatness and grace. We acknowledge that You are the Creator of this world and that all things are under Your control.

We give You thanks for the blessings You have bestowed upon us, and for the many ways You have guided and protected us.

We humbly ask that You would continue to guide and protect those who are in positions of leadership and that Your will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray for peace and unity among the nations, and for an end to the divisions and conflicts that cause so much suffering.

We also lift up those who are suffering, whether it be due to poverty, illness, or persecution, and ask that You would bring them comfort and healing.

We pray for the strength to be Your hands and feet in the world, to love and serve those around us, and to be a light to those who are lost.

And in all things, we pray that Your glory would be revealed and that many would come to know You as their Savior.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 33:12 ESV

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

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2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

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.

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John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Read full chapter

Men’s Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come to You today in humility and gratitude. We recognize that You are our Creator, and without You, we are nothing. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we navigate the challenges of daily life.

We pray for strength to be faithful in our roles as husbands, fathers, and sons. We ask that You help us to lead by example and to be a light in a dark world. We pray for Your protection over our families and for Your provision in all of our needs.

We ask for Your forgiveness for our sins and for Your help to overcome any temptations that may come our way. We pray for Your grace and mercy to be evident in our lives and for Your love to be the foundation of all that we do.

We thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us and for the hope that we have in You. We trust in Your sovereignty and Your plan for our lives, knowing that You are always with us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

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1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

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Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.

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Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

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Psalm 121:1-2 ESV

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

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Prayer to My Husband

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today to lift up my husband to You. I give You thanks for the gift of marriage and for the love and commitment that my husband demonstrates in our relationship. I pray that You would grant him strength and wisdom as he leads our family, and that he would have a profound understanding of Your love for him.

I ask that You would bless him in his work and protect him from harm. I pray that You would guide him in every decision he makes and grant him peace and joy in his heart. I request that You would aid him in growing in his faith and deepening his relationship with You.

I implore You to give him the courage to firmly stand in his beliefs and to be a shining light in this dark world. I pray that You would bless our marriage and that we would continue to love and support each other in all things.

This is my prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

1 Peter 3:7 ESV

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Read full chapter

1 Peter 3:1-6 ESV

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

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Ephesians 5:25-33 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

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Titus 2:3-5 ESV

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

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Proverbs 18:22 ESV

He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the Lord.

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Prayer for My Sons

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today to lift up my sons. I entrust them to Your care and protection, knowing that You are a loving and faithful God. I pray that You would give them wisdom and discernment, and guide them in the path that You have for their lives.

I ask that You would give them strength and courage to stand firm in their faith, and to boldly proclaim the Gospel to those around them. May they be strong and loving leaders in their homes, churches, and communities.

I pray that You would bless them with good health and prosperity, and that they would have a heart for serving You and others. May they be a light to the world, shining Your love and truth to all who come in contact with them.

I give You all the glory and honor for the wonderful work that You are doing in my sons’ lives, and I trust in Your perfect plan for them.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.

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Psalm 127:3 ESV

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.

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Colossians 3:20-21 ESV

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

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Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

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Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

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Proverbs 13:24 ESV

Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
    but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

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Prayer for a Husband

Dear Lord,

I lift up my husband to You today, asking that You would bless him and watch over him. May he know Your love and presence in a deep and personal way.

I pray that You would give him wisdom and discernment in all things, and that You would guide him in making decisions that are pleasing to You. May he be a man of integrity and honor, and may he serve You with all his heart.

I pray that You would protect him from temptation and danger, and that You would give him the strength and courage to resist any forces that seek to harm him. May he be a strong and courageous leader for our family, and may he always put You first in his life.

I pray that You would bless our marriage, and that You would help us to grow closer to You and to each other. May we support and encourage each other in all things, and may we be a blessing to those around us.

Thank You for my husband, and for the love and joy he brings to my life. I trust in Your goodness and faithfulness, and I know that You will work all things together for our good.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Colossians 3:18-19 ESV

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

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1 Peter 3:7 ESV

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 31:10-11 ESV

An excellent wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.

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Titus 2:4-5 ESV

and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Read full chapter

1 Corinthians 7:3-4 ESV

The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

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Prayer for World Peace

Dear God,

We turn to You today, seeking Your divine guidance and intervention in a world that is filled with turmoil and conflict. Our hearts are heavy as we witness the pain and suffering caused by violence, hatred, and division. We pray for Your peace to reign in the midst of chaos, for hope to flourish in the midst of despair, and for love to conquer all forms of hatred.

We pray for the nations of the world, that they may find unity and cooperation rather than division and strife. We pray for the leaders of these nations, that they may seek wisdom and guidance from You as they make decisions that impact the lives of so many.

We pray for those who are suffering as a result of violence, oppression, and injustice. We ask that You bring healing to the wounds of their bodies, minds, and spirits. We pray for their protection and safety, that they may know Your loving embrace and find hope in Your promises.

Lord, we know that true peace comes only through You. We ask that You would pour out Your Spirit on all people, that they may turn to You and find the peace that surpasses all understanding. We pray that Your kingdom would come and Your will would be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray these things in the precious name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Read full chapter

Colossians 3:15 ESV

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

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Ephesians 2:14 ESV

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

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Isaiah 26:3 ESV

You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.

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John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

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Prayer for Spain

Dear God,

We lift up Spain to You today, asking for Your blessing and protection upon the people of this nation. We pray that You would guide the leaders of Spain, giving them wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that affect the country.

We pray for the churches in Spain, that they would be strong and vibrant, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to all corners of the nation. We pray for unity among believers, that they would work together in harmony to serve You and share Your love with others.

We pray for the people of Spain, that they would come to know You and experience Your love and grace. We pray that You would break down any barriers that prevent them from coming to You, and that You would draw them into a deep and meaningful relationship with You.

We pray for peace and prosperity in Spain, that the people would experience abundance and joy as they serve You and follow Your will for their lives. We pray for protection from all harm and danger, and for Your presence to be evident in every aspect of life in Spain.

We pray all of this in the powerful and loving name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Matthew 18:20 ESV

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

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Matthew 28:19-20 ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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Isaiah 43:5 ESV

Fear not, for I am with you;
    I will bring your offspring from the east,
    and from the west I will gather you.

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Matthew 6:33 ESV

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

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Psalm 121:8 ESV

The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.

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Prayer for Ukraine

Heavenly Father,

We lift up Ukraine to You today, asking for Your grace and mercy to be poured out on this nation. We pray for the people of Ukraine, that You would give them strength and courage to face the challenges they are facing.

We pray for the leaders of Ukraine, that You would give them discernment and courage to lead with integrity and compassion. We pray for the church in Ukraine, that You would use it to be a light in the darkness and a beacon of hope for the people.

We pray for peace and reconciliation in Ukraine, and for an end to the violence and conflict. We ask that You would bring healing and restoration to those who have been affected by the fighting.

We trust in Your goodness, Your faithfulness, and Your sovereign plan for Ukraine, and we pray that Your love and Your light would shine bright in this nation.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Read full chapter

Psalm 18:2 ESV

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

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Psalm 91:4 ESV

He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

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Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

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Isaiah 41:10 ESV

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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