Pray for Our Missionaries
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8
The Heartbeat of Missions
The heartbeat of Missions is having a fervent zeal to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, reaching souls in every nation across the globe. It is this willingness to heed God’s call to the mission field and relentless desire to put souls ahead of their own safety that propel missionaries into obedient action. Missionaries face many challenges on and off the mission field including cultural barriers, religious persecution, and spiritual warfare. The life of a missionary is not for the faint of heart.
Why Pray for Missionaries?
Missionaries face a myriad of unique challenges that start before they even get to the mission field. Prayers are vital to the success of missions and are an essential way to support their efforts, ensuring that they stay encouraged and empowered in their calling. They also need our prayers that they gain the support and funds required to plant churches in the communities where they are sent. God hears and answers prayers of the faithful, supplying the necessary provisions to answer the call.
Prayer is an active and essential part of God’s work. When we pray, we join God in His mission to bring Scripture to every language and people group. To that end, here are ways you can pray for our missionaries, their families, and their sending churches:
1. Doors to Open
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:” Colossians 4:2-3
Open doors cannot be taken for granted. Many missionaries work within cultures that are in areas resistant to the Gospel and some are in closed countries, making it exceedingly more difficult to share the Gospel under these circumstances. Open doors include more than just access to nations and people groups. Individuals’ hearts also need to be open and receptive to God’s truths.
Pray…
- that God will open doors on the mission field, blessing partnerships and friendships.
- that those who serve will be led by the Holy Spirit and recognize open‑door opportunities.
- that God will lead His people past barriers to hearts ready to receive His Word.
2. Courage and Boldness
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,” Ephesians 6:19
Missionaries are everyday people who fear rejection as much as anyone else. When faced with opposition, they need God’s strength to help them hold steadfast in their convictions.
Pray…
- that the Holy Spirit will provide missionaries with words that are conveyed effectively in other cultures and languages.
- that they will acquire boldness to overcome fear of rejection or failure.
- against evil forces that would seek to hinder the spread of the Gospel.
3. God’s Word to Spread
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:” 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Obstacles need to be removed to allow God’s Word to spread rapidly and freely, and missionaries need the strength to forge ahead when faced with opposition or difficulties. You can strengthen missionaries by supporting them with your prayers.
Pray:
- for strength and stamina as missionaries encounter antagonistic spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:10-18).
- that people will resist Satan’s plans to obstruct the spread of the Gospel (James 4:7).
- that God’s Word will indeed spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes.
4. More Laborers to Be Sent
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
The Lord Jesus Christ teaches us to plead with God to call, equip, and send laborers into the harvest. The nations must hear the Gospel. Yet, this can happen only as people go out and proclaim the Gospel to the nations. It is our responsibility to pray for laborers who will do this.
Pray:
- for God to raise up evangelists who can preach the Gospel powerfully and clearly on the mission fields around the world.
- that God will raise up believers who have a heart for church planting.
- that churches would have a burden for missions and the harvesting of the nations.
5. Protection
“And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” (2 Thessalonians 3:2)
In some cultures, missionaries may be exposed to the possibility of danger and personal harm. Opposition to the Gospel may include hatred and violence.
Pray:
- for the safety and endurance of missionaries and their families.
- that God will change the hearts of those who are resistant to His Word.
- for wisdom and discernment in challenging situations.
6. Effective Ministry
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
It is important to rely on God for all aspects of ministry, especially during times of great difficulty, so that efforts will produce fruit and, ultimately, a harvest will be gathered.
Pray:
- that God will provide strength and perseverance to missionaries when their ministries seem to be fruitless.
- that seeds will be planted and that missionaries would be able to see the fruits of their labor.
- that an abundant harvest will be produced as more people learn about the love of Christ.
7. Travel Mercies
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
Many missionaries travel frequently, both nationally and internationally. Their modes of transportation can vary from airplanes to buses to boats to motorbikes and other means.
Pray:
- that missionaries will be granted required permissions (visas and passports) to travel and that they will have the necessary funds for tickets and fees.
- for protection and provision during travel.
- for God’s grace and favor when challenges or obstacles appear on any journey.
8. Restoration
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Missionaries deal with many of the same stresses we face in life such as overwhelming workloads, conflicts in relationships, and financial uncertainties. Often, however, missionaries struggle with these issues alone, without the fellowship and support of other Christians. Living and working cross-culturally adds an additional element that can challenge their emotional, spiritual, and physical vitality.
Pray:
- that missionaries in isolated areas would be provided opportunities to spend time with other believers.
- that God will provide times of peace and relaxation to refresh His workers.
- for restoration — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual — that can only be found in Jesus.
Your prayers and support make a difference.
If you have a heart for missions and feel led to support our missionaries in God’s calling on their lives, please visit the links at the bottom of the Give page. Thank you!