Missionaries serving in the field frequently say that the thing they want most from people at home is prayer. They report a vast difference in their ministries and even their personal lives when supporters are praying for them.
Prayer also allows believers who aren’t called to live overseas to participate in the global work and make an eternal impact. In addition to you participating in missions through prayer, God frequently uses prayer to soften hearts toward the nations and the lost. Praying can give you an excitement for joining missionaries in their work. And as you or your church members become increasingly aware of what it takes to bring the gospel to all people, God will often call you to join Him in new ways.
Whether in your personal devotion time, a small group setting, or a corporate service, adding designated time to pray for missionaries can help you and your church members grow to have God’s heart for the nations.
Here are some great ways to pray for all missionaries.
Spiritual and physical protection for them and their families: Pray against spiritual warfare and for safety and good health.
Faithfulness in hard times: Pray that even during times of personal challenges and in times when ministry seems difficult that they will continue to do what God has called them to do.
That they will find favor with people: Pray that they’ll have a good name in their community, for good relationships with authorities and that everyone they meet will see Christ in them and be drawn to them and to the Lord.
Wisdom and effectiveness in their ministry: Pray for godly wisdom in making decisions regarding their work and for God to grant them ideas and strategies that will reach people.
For open doors and open hearts where they’re serving: Pray they will encounter people who are seeking truth and people whose hearts God has already been working on. Pray for many chances for them to share.
For boldness: Pray that they won’t let tiredness, fear, discouragement, persecution, or perceived lack of interest stop them from sharing often and proclaiming the name of Jesus.
Logistics like visas, travel, and lodging: Pray that God will be in every detail and will help them manage these everyday things that can often prove challenging overseas.
For times of refreshment and encouragement: Pray for God to speak to them through Scripture, music, and other people to encourage them when it’s needed and for them to have the proper times of rest.
That they will stay faithful to what God has called them to do: Pray that they will continue in their work until God and God alone sends them somewhere else.
I hope this gives you a picture of ways you can pray for missionaries. They might be your church’s mission partners, people you know personally, or just missionaries in general. I hope it also gives you a glimpse of some of the things that missionaries struggle with and need. As God turns your heart toward them and their work, I pray He also encourages you that you can join them—whether through prayer or perhaps one day through going yourself!
