God desires for all to hear His word and be saved. Every believer is called to this work, and one of the best ways, and the most effective way, that we can be involved is through prayer. But the world is so full of lostness that it can seem overwhelming to know where to start.
Whether you want to lead your church in corporate prayer, or provide resources for small groups or individuals, praying for lost people and the nations of the world can grow your church’s heart for missions. Here are some ideas for how to pray. Picking one nation a day to pray for can be a great place to start.
Pray for unreached and unengaged people groups. There are still thousands of people groups throughout the world that need to hear the gospel. Unreached means that there are not enough Christians to spread the gospel throughout the population, usually less than 2%. If a group is also unengaged, that means no one is actively trying to reach them. Pray for churches around the world to engage with these groups, to send missionaries and start churches so that all will have a chance to hear the gospel.
Pray for leaders and governments of nations to be soft toward the gospel and toward believers. Pray for elections to bring about the right people. Pray that in countries where converting to Christianity is illegal or churches are not allowed that believers will still be bold. And pray for justice in countries where Christians face persecution.
Pray for the persecuted church. Pray that believers will remain faithful, will share the gospel boldly despite difficulty, for power from the Holy Spirit, for comfort, for others to be drawn to their example and witness, and for strength and grace in the midst of suffering.
Pray for the church in hard-to-reach countries to be a light, for nonbelievers to see the difference in the Christians they meet and to want what those believers have.
Pray for physical needs to be met around the world. Pray that in times of hunger, disaster, illness, and more that the church will provide hope and meet physical needs so hurting people will see the light of Christ and have their spiritual needs met as well.
Pray for boldness for believers and missionaries to go to the hard places where sharing is difficult. Pray that more churches would focus resources on these places instead of only continuing to go to easy places that already have access to the gospel.
Pray that people who have never had a chance to hear the good news but whose hearts are open to the gospel will have someone to share with them. Pray for divine appointments, healings, dreams and visions, or whatever it takes to draw people to Christ. Pray for new technologies that allow the Word to get out in new ways.
Pray for those who follow other religions to feel dissatisfied in their current faith and to seek something else.
Pray for revival among the nations and a great harvest of souls.
As you pray, remember that God loves each person around the world and is more powerful than the lostness. He is greater than hostile governments, false religions, famine, natural disasters, and even the complacency of believers. Pray that His kingdom will come and His will be done on earth and that all will have a chance to hear. Thank Him for allowing you to be part of the global work through prayer. And thank Him in advance that every nation, tribe, and tongue will one day be represented before the throne in heaven!
