A job interview can be a stressful moment for many. Understandably. Depending on how well that goes, it could determine your next ministerial move. It went great? You’re either getting a promotion at your church or you’re moving on to another one, perhaps in a different city. Many changes occur depending on the outcome of the chat you had with the interviewer. As a God-loving, Spirit-living church leader, prayer will definitely be part of your interview process. These next prayers will help you with prayer subjects and verses.
1. Good things from above
James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…” (NIV). Before you even start the process of interviewing with churches, remind yourself of that Scripture. As you know, God is your shepherd, and He’ll provide you with what you need (Psalm 23).
2. Wisdom
You will need wisdom in the coming process. Wisdom in your job applications as you want to choose the right ones. Wisdom in your interview answers as they will showcase your capacities and character. Wisdom in your questions as they will bring clarity to you in regards to the job and work environment. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)
3. Clarity of words
With your words, you can bring life and open doors. Your eloquence may be recognized as your “Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.” Proverbs 20:15 (NLT)
4. Blessed projects
You always want to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) God wants you to succeed in your projects. “May he give you what you want and make all your plans succeed, and we will shout for joy when you succeed, and we will raise a flag in the name of our God.” Psalm 20:4-5 (NCV)
5. Prayer of Jabez
This Bible character is relatively unknown, and there are very few details about him, except for what he prayed for. “…’Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!’” 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NLT) You can surely pray that as well.
6. Guidance
Your next moves don’t necessarily determine your final ministry destination, but they will make your direction precise. Guidance is your prayer, your request, and your petition. “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10 (ESV) “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs…” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV) “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
7. Trust in God
Trusting God and having faith in Him in the midst of a career change, moving from one area to another, is a must. You can certainly mimic these words David has so well written. “Trust in the Lord and do what is right. Settle in the land and maintain your integrity. Commit your future to the Lord. Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.” Psalm 37:3, 5 (NET)
8. Calm in the midst of nervousness
When you pray, ask for the Spirit of God to calm you, to chase nervousness away, and wipe away anxiety. 1 Peter 5:7 (MEV) is your basis for that prayer as it says, “Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.” And as you do so, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NASB) For “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
9. Desires of the heart
God has plans for you, as you already know (Jeremiah 29:11). Investing time with the Lord changes your heart and mind forever. You cannot be the same. You discover His will, and you draw closer to Him as you “…above all pursue His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NET) When you “Find your delight in the Lord. Then he will give you everything your heart really wants.” Psalm 37:4 (NIRV)
10. Preparation
Luke 14:28 (CSB) says, “‘For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?’” This verse can be your prayer. Sit down, have a plan, get ready to execute all the way to the end. That is all about preparation. Pray that the Holy Spirit reveals to you what you need to prepare and how to get in a state of readiness. From your resume to your cover letter and everything surrounding it, pray your prep time will be fruitful.
11. Your work
Your Creator has prepared ministry only you can accomplish. “For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NET) Pray for your next job, your next ministerial role, to be exactly that, works prepared in advance for you.
12. Accountability and excellence
When it is all said and done, you got the new role. Pray for a sense of responsibility to rest upon you. You’re not only getting a new job, but you are also getting to make a difference in a new community of believers. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
13. Passion and success
Nehemiah quit a risky job being the king’s cupbearer to fulfill the burning passion within him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The fortifications were so weak that the enemies couldn’t be kept out. He needed the drive and the determination to successfully accomplish what the Lord impressed on him in his prayer time. Pray with him “‘Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence…’” of all concerned and “‘The God of heaven will give us success.’” Nehemiah 1:11; 2:20 (NIV)
14. Your gifts will be utilized
You have been searching for God’s will in your decisions and desire to move on to another vocational profession. It could be elsewhere, or it could be a promotion for you at your present location. You very well know that “Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace.” 1 Peter 4:10 (TPT) Pray you will be part of that tapestry in your possible new role.
15. Interviewer and the church/organization
You are aspiring to something new, you prepared yourself for the interview, and you’ve fasted and prayed. The interview process is a time of mutual discovery, appreciation, and decision. You are trying to figure out if you really want this. And so is the church! Pray for the church, the search committee, the interviewer, and the people you’ll meet. You’re not sure what to pray for when thinking about them? Allow yourself to be used by the Spirit “…because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us…” Romans 8:26 (HCSB)
