Rihanna is being "prayed for" because she parties too hard, says her former pastor.

The singer used to attend services officiated by Bishop Vibert Lowe when she lived in her native Barbados.

He has become concerned about the star in recent weeks. She regularly uses Twitter to update her fans about her antics and is thought to have reunited with her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, who was violent towards her.

"A lot of people have been praying for her and hoping that she will drop these bad habits," the religious man told British newspaper The Sun.

"We feel it's wrong for her to behave like this. As a young lady she's not setting a good example. Young people look to her as a mentor, they regard her as an idol and copy her lifestyle. There are people on the island who think she parties way too hard."

Rihanna's romance with Chris ended when he assaulted her three years ago. Although neither has confirmed they are back together, they have communicated via Twitter and worked on songs together.

The pastor is worried Rihanna is not thinking about the long term when it comes to her love life.

"After all he did, I'd tell her to steer clear of him. He's not the correct influence on her life," Vibert added.

"I don't see her much when she comes back - she seems too busy - but she should spend more time in church."