PrayerclustPastors are the shepherds of their congregations. They must guide, nurture, and protect their flock. They prepare sermons, offer counseling, and manage church operations. They support people in crises, often facing immense stress and spiritual battles.
31 Scriptures to Pray for Your Pastor can give them strength and wisdom. It can also encourage them. Our prayers invite divine intervention, fortifying them in their roles. It supports our pastors and strengthens the church. It fosters unity and care.
This post will give you 31 scriptures to pray for your pastor. They cover various aspects of their life and work. These prayers will help your pastor. They will find new strength, wisdom, and peace. This will let them lead with more confidence and grace.
Why Pray for Your Pastor?
Pastors play a crucial role in guiding and nurturing their congregations. They provide spiritual leadership, counsel, and support, often under immense pressure. The Bible says to pray for our leaders. It is important to their role in our spiritual lives. Praying for our pastors supports them and strengthens the whole church. Personal testimonies often show the deep impact of prayer on a pastor’s life and ministry.
How to Use Scriptures in Prayer
Understanding the context of each scripture is vital when using it in prayer. Personalizing these prayers can make them more meaningful and impactful. Praying them daily or weekly can help you support your pastor.
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Identify the specific needs: Consider the challenges your pastor may face. This can help you choose the most relevant Scriptures and prayers.
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Personalize the prayers: Use the pastor’s name and their specific issues. This personal touch can make your prayers more heartfelt and direct.
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Consistency is key: Make praying for your pastor a regular part of your routine. This could be daily, weekly, or even at specific times when you know he or she might need extra support.
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Use a Prayer Journal: Writing down your prayers can help you stay focused and track how God answers them. This can also be a source of encouragement as you see progress and blessings unfold.
Recall the goal: internalize scriptures, not simply repeat them by rote. Use them to connect with God and intercede for your pastor. As you practice, praying scriptures will likely feel more natural. It will enrich your prayer life.
Scriptures for Spiritual Strength and Guidance
We’ll explore five scriptures. They are powerful. Use them to pray for your pastor’s spiritual strength and guidance. These verses focus on calling, wisdom, and leadership. They empower and enhance spiritual understanding. They provide a solid foundation for your pastor’s ministry and journey.
1. 1 Timothy 3:1 (NIV)
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for a clear sense of calling and purpose.
Example Prayer: “Lord, I thank You for calling Pastor [Name] to this noble task of leadership. Daily, reaffirm their sense of calling. Remind them of the honor of their role. Help them, with a new purpose, to embrace the joys and challenges of pastoral ministry. May they never lose sight of the importance of their role in Your kingdom work. Empower them to lead with integrity, compassion, and passion. They must strive to fulfill the calling You have placed on their lives. Grant them the perseverance to stay true to their calling, despite challenges. Surround them with Your presence and peace. Give them the confidence to carry out their duties with grace and strength.”
2. Jeremiah 3:15 (NIV)
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom and insight to nurture the congregation.
Example Prayer: “Heavenly Father, mold Pastor [Name] into a shepherd after Your own heart. Fill them with divine knowledge and understanding. Grant them the wisdom to lead our congregation. Help them discern Your will and apply Your truths to our unique circumstances. May their leadership reflect Your heart for Your people.”
3. Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for empowerment to equip and uplift the Church.
Example Prayer: “Lord Jesus, You have given us Pastor [Name] as a gift to our church. Endow them with Your Spirit, preparing our congregation for purposeful ministry. Help them identify and nurture the gifts within our church body. May their teaching and leadership build us up, unify us, and prepare us for the good works You have planned for us.”
4. Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for joyful and effective leadership.
Example Prayer: “Father, I lift up Pastor [Name] to You. Grant them the grace to lead with confidence and humility. Help our congregation to support and submit to their leadership in a way that brings joy to their work. Protect them from unnecessary burdens and discouragements. May their leadership be effective and joyful. It should benefit our whole church family. May their efforts bear fruit. Fill their service with Your divine joy and strength. Enable them to shepherd our community with a glad heart.”
5. Colossians 1:9 (NIV)
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for knowledge of God’s will and spiritual understanding.
Example Prayer: “Heavenly Father, I pray for Pastor [Name] as Paul prayed for the Colossians. Fill them with the knowledge of Your will. Grant them spiritual wisdom and understanding through Your Holy Spirit. May this divine insight guide their decisions and teaching. May it influence all aspects of their ministry. Let Your will be clear to them as they lead our church, and may they always seek Your guidance in every step they take. Strengthen their resolve to follow Your direction. Bless them with the discernment to navigate their complex pastoral duties.”
Scriptures for Ministry, Leadership, and Spiritual Growth
This section gives ten scriptures. Pray them for your pastor’s ministry, leadership, and spiritual growth. These verses cover many important topics. They include preaching, decision-making, and protection against spiritual attacks. They also address growth in love and discernment.
6. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for a shepherd’s heart and servant leadership.
Example Prayer: “Lord, instill in Pastor [Name] the heart of a true shepherd. May he lead our congregation with willingness and eagerness to serve. Help him to be an exemplary leader, demonstrating Your love and humility in all he does. Protect him from the temptations of dishonesty and pride. Let him mark his leadership with genuine care and a sincere desire to serve others. May his example inspire the congregation to live Your teachings with integrity and compassion. ‘Strengthen his resolve to shepherd Your flock, reflecting Your grace and mercy.'”
7. 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for boldness and clarity in preaching the Word.
Example Prayer: “Father, empower Pastor [Name] to preach Your Word with boldness and clarity. Grant them divine insight as they prepare messages. Help them to correct, rebuke, and encourage our congregation with patience and wisdom. Fill their heart with a passion for Your truth and a commitment to communicate it effectively. May their words be guided by the Holy Spirit, bringing conviction, comfort, and growth to all who hear. Equip them to meet the congregation’s needs. Guide and encourage in every sermon. “Let their preaching transform and renew our church community.”
8. Acts 20:28 (NIV)
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for vigilance and care over the flock.
Example Prayer: “Holy Spirit, help Pastor [Name] to remain vigilant in watching over themselves and our church. Remind them of the precious value of each member, bought with Christ’s blood. Guide them in shepherding our congregation with love and care. Grant them the wisdom to see the flock’s needs. And, give them the strength to address those needs with compassion. Shield them from burnout. Help them build resilience for their watchful care. May their leadership show Jesus’s sacrificial love. It should foster a safe, nurturing place for spiritual growth.”
9. Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for wise counsel and decision-making.
Example Prayer: “Lord of wisdom, surround Pastor [Name] with godly advisors. Grant them discernment to seek and heed wise counsel. May their decisions be guided by Your wisdom and bring victory to our church’s mission. Help them see the value of collaborative leadership. They should listen to those you have placed around them. May their advisors be filled with Your Spirit. Let them provide insights that align with Your will. May their guidance lead to success in our church’s work, and ensure each step follows Your divine plan.”
10. James 1:5 (NIV)
“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.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom in all aspects of ministry.
Example Prayer: “Generous God, I ask that You pour out Your wisdom upon Pastor [Name]. When they face challenging situations or decisions, may they turn to You first. Grant them the wisdom they need for their ministry. It may be in preaching, counseling, or leading the church. Help them to rely on Your guidance and to make decisions that reflect Your will. Let their actions and words reflect Your divine insight. Bring clarity and direction to our congregation.”
11. Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
Prayer Focus: Pray for protection and refuge in God.
Example Prayer: “Almighty God, be a refuge and fortress for Pastor [Name]. May they find rest and protection in Your presence. Strengthen their trust in You as their ultimate source of security. When they face dangers or uncertainties, let them feel Your protective embrace. Guard their heart and mind against fear and anxiety. May your presence comfort and strengthen them. Let it help them lead with confidence and peace. Surround them with Your angels and keep them safe from all harm.”
12. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for strength and armor against spiritual attacks.
Example Prayer: “Lord, strengthen Pastor [Name] with Your mighty power. Help them to put on Your full armor daily, equipping them to stand strong against the devil’s schemes. Protect them from spiritual attacks and empower them to stand firm in their faith. May they rely on Your strength and not their own. May they find courage and resilience in Your mighty power. Cover them with Your righteousness, truth, peace, faith, and salvation. With the Spirit’s sword, enable them to face every challenge with confidence and grace.”
13. Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for growth in love, knowledge, and discernment.
Example Prayer: “Father, may Pastor [Name]’s love abound more and more. Increase their knowledge and insight. This will help them understand and wisely apply Your will. Sharpen their discernment so they can always choose what is best and walk in Your ways. May their life be pure and blameless, reflecting Your holiness. Fill them with the righteousness that comes through Jesus. Then, may their ministry bring You glory and praise. Guide them to lead with love and wisdom. Inspire others to grow in their faith and commitment to You.”
14. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for protection from evil.
Example Prayer: “Faithful Lord, strengthen and protect Pastor [Name] from all evil. Shield them from spiritual attacks, temptations, and any plans of the enemy. May Your faithfulness be their constant source of security. Guard their heart, mind, and spirit, and let no weapon formed against them prosper. Surround them with Your divine protection and keep them safe under Your wings. Fill them with Your strength and peace. You are their protector and defender in all circumstances.”
15. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for endurance and faithfulness in trials.
Example Prayer: “God of faithfulness, help Pastor [Name] to resist temptations and trials. Provide clear ways of escape when they are tempted. Grant them the strength to endure and remain faithful to You in all circumstances. Remind them that no temptation is too great for them to overcome with Your help. Encourage them with Your promises. Give them the strength to stay faithful. Let them find solace and courage in Your faithfulness. You are always with them, guiding and supporting them through every challenge.”
Scriptures for Encouragement, Support, and Personal Life
This final section provides scriptures to pray for your pastor’s encouragement and support. Also, for his personal life. They cover strength, perseverance, joy, family, and work-life balance.
16. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for renewed strength and perseverance.
Example Prayer: “Lord, renew Pastor [Name]’s strength as they hope in You. Help them soar above challenges, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting. May Your strength sustain them in every aspect of their ministry. When they feel overwhelmed, remind them of Your promise to renew their strength. Fill them with Your power and endurance so that they can face each day with confidence and vigor. Let them experience the freedom and joy that comes from relying on You completely. Encourage them to lean into Your everlasting arms for support. Refresh them, knowing You will never let them fall.”
17. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for encouragement to not grow weary in doing good.
Example Prayer: “Father, encourage Pastor [Name] to persist in doing good. When ministry feels challenging, remind them of the harvest to come. Give them the endurance to continue faithfully in Your work. Make them more determined to endure hardships. Their work in You is not in vain. Help them to see the impact of their efforts, even when it is not immediately visible. Fill them with hope and assurance that the seeds they are planting will bear fruit in due season. Surround them with a supportive community. It should uplift and encourage them. Remind them they are not alone in this journey.”
18. Romans 15:13 (NIV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for joy, peace, and hope through the Holy Spirit.
Example Prayer: “God of hope, fill Pastor [Name] with Your joy and peace. As they trust in You, may they overflow with hope by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Let this hope be evident to all around them. In doubt or discouragement, remind them of Your promises. Also, of the eternal hope in You. May their life be a beacon of hope, shining brightly and inspiring those they lead. Grant them a lasting joy and peace beyond their circumstances. Let it be rooted in their trust in You. “Let Your Holy Spirit renew and uplift their spirit. Make them a vessel of Your hope to everyone they meet.”
19. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for comfort and the ability to comfort others.
Example Prayer: “Compassionate Father, comfort Pastor [Name] in their troubles. Use the comfort they receive from You to enable them to comfort others effectively. May their experiences of Your comfort enhance their ministry to those in need. In times of personal struggle, let them feel Your loving presence and find solace in Your embrace. Make them a source of strength and comfort to others. Let them share the grace and compassion they have received from You. Help them to empathize with those in pain. Their words and actions should bring healing and peace. “May their ministry deeply comfort and uplift others, reflecting Your boundless compassion.”
20. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for mutual encouragement and edification.
“Lord, surround Pastor [Name] with those who will encourage them.” Help them also to be a source of encouragement to others. Foster a culture of mutual support and edification in our church community. May they find strength and joy in the support of fellow believers. May their words and actions uplift those around them. Let our church be a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow in their faith. “Empower Pastor [Name] to lead by example. Show the power of encouragement and unity in the body of Christ.”
21. 1 Timothy 3:4-5 (NIV)
“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)”
Prayer Focus: Pray for a well-managed household and family life.
Example Prayer: “Heavenly Father, bless Pastor [Name]’s family life. Help them manage their household well, with love, wisdom, and respect. May their family be a testament to Your grace and a model for others in the congregation. Grant them patience and understanding in their family interactions. Make their home a place of peace and harmony. Help them balance their pastoral duties with their home responsibilities. They should nurture and guide their family as they do the church. May their family ties be strong and full of Your love. Let them be a beacon of Your faithfulness and grace to all who see them.”
22. Proverbs 31:10-12 (NIV)
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for a supportive and loving spouse.
Example Prayer: “Lord, I lift up Pastor [Name]’s marriage to You. Bless their spouse to be a partner of noble character, bringing good to their life and ministry. May their relationship be marked by mutual confidence, support, and love. Let their bond grow stronger with each passing day, rooted in Your love and grace. Help them to support each other through life’s ups and downs. They should always seek to bring out the best in one another. May their marriage be a shining example of Your plan for partnership. It should be filled with trust, respect, and commitment.”
23. Psalm 127:3-5 (NIV)
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for the pastor’s children and family blessings.
Example Prayer: “Father, we thank You for the gift of children in Pastor [Name]’s life. Bless and protect their children, guiding them in Your ways. May their family find joy in parenthood, seeing their children as a blessing from You. Surround their home with Your love and protection. Ensure each child grows up in the Lord’s nurture and admonition. Help Pastor [Name] and their spouse to be loving parents. May they instill a strong faith and Godly values in their children. ‘May their children thrive. Let them be arrows, straight and true, in Your kingdom’s service.”
24. Ephesians 5:25-26 (NIV)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for a Christ-centered marriage.
Example Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help Pastor [Name] to love their spouse as You loved the church. May their marriage reflect Your sacrificial love and be centered on You. Use their relationship to minister to others and glorify Your name. Teach them to prioritize their relationship. They should nurture it with the same care and dedication that Christ shows for the church. May their union be a testament to Your love and commitment. May it inspire others to seek a Christ-centeredness in their own marriages. Fill their home with Your presence, peace, and joy, making it a haven of love and spiritual growth.”
25. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
“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.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for a balance between ministry and personal life.
“Father, help Pastor [Name] to work hard in all they do, knowing they serve You. Grant them wisdom to balance their ministry with their personal and family life. May they find joy and fulfillment in serving You in all areas of life. Guide them to manage their time and energy. They must not neglect their ministry or relationships. Encourage them to rest. Self-care is vital for lasting service. May their work in ministry and life bear fruit. Let it bring glory to Your name and enrich those they serve and love.”
26. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for guidance through God’s Word.
Example Prayer: “Lord, may Your Word be a constant guide for Pastor [Name]. Illuminate their path with the truth of Your Scriptures. Give them insight and understanding as they study and teach Your Word. Help them to rely on Your wisdom and direction in every decision they make. Let Your Word be their source of strength and comfort, guiding them through every challenge and opportunity they face. May their teachings be filled with the light of Your truth, bringing clarity and inspiration to all who hear. Surround them with Your presence as they study Your Word. Let Your guidance shine in their ministry and personal life.”
27. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for rest and refreshment in Christ.
Example Prayer: “Jesus, when Pastor [Name] feels weary and burdened, draw them to You. Give them Your rest. Help them to learn from Your gentleness and humility. May they find their souls refreshed in Your presence. Remind them to cast all their cares upon You, trusting that You will sustain them. In moments of stress and exhaustion, let them find peace and rejuvenation in Your loving embrace. Guide them to balance their responsibilities with the need for rest, ensuring they maintain a healthy and vibrant spirit. May Your gentle guidance bring renewal and strength, enabling them to serve with joy and vigor.”
28. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for continuous spiritual growth.
Example Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help Pastor [Name] to continuously grow in Your grace and knowledge. May their relationship with You deepen day by day. Let their spiritual growth bring glory to Your name now and forever. Inspire them to seek You more fervently, to understand Your ways, and to embody Your teachings in every aspect of their life. Surround them with opportunities to learn and grow, and bless their efforts to draw nearer to You. May their growing knowledge of You be shown in their ministry. Let it impact others with the wisdom and love they receive from You.”
29. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for a renewed mind and discernment of God’s will.
Example Prayer: “Father, transform Pastor [Name] by the renewing of their mind. Keep them from conforming to worldly patterns. Grant them clear discernment of Your will, that they may lead according to Your good, pleasing, and perfect plan. Help them to remain steadfast in their commitment to You, resisting the pressures and distractions of the world. Renew their mind with Your Word and Spirit, enabling them to see clearly and act wisely. May their leadership show a deep understanding of Your will. May their decisions reflect Your perfect plan for our church and community.”
30. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for faithful stewardship of gifts and abilities.
Example Prayer: “Lord, help Pastor [Name] to be a faithful steward of the gifts You’ve given them. May they use their abilities to serve others effectively. Show them new ways to employ their gifts for the benefit of the church and community. Inspire them with creativity and wisdom. Help them use their talents to bring glory to Your name and grow Your kingdom. Let their service be a reflection of Your grace, touching the lives of many and drawing them closer to You. “Guide them to find and nurture the gifts in others. This will build a supportive community and a vibrant ministry.””
31. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer Focus: Pray for peace and freedom from anxiety.
Example Prayer: “Heavenly Father, when anxiety threatens Pastor [Name], remind them to pray. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding.” Guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus, allowing them to lead from a place of calm assurance in You. Help them to trust in Your provision and guidance, knowing that You are in control of all circumstances. May Your peace be a constant presence in their life, providing comfort and strength. Let their example of faith and tranquility inspire others to seek Your peace in their own lives.”
These prayers cover your pastor’s personal life and family. They also protect his emotional health. Pastors are not just spiritual leaders. They also have their own needs and challenges. Your prayers can provide crucial support in all areas of their life and ministry.
Final Words
Praying for our pastors is a powerful way to support them in their ministry and personal lives. These 31 scriptures can guide us. We can then pray, using them, to uplift and strengthen our spiritual leaders. Each verse and prayer focus on areas where pastors need support. They seek encouragement and guidance.
Offer frequent petitionary support to your spiritual leader. It will help them and the church. Your prayers can protect them from spiritual attacks. They can also provide wisdom in their decisions and bring them peace and rest in their duties. By praying for their family, you ensure they have a strong support system at home. Your prayers for their ministry will help them lead well.
Prayerclust
1 comment
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!