How to Pray for Missionaries

The 6 J’s Journal Of Jeff & Janelle Nelson

Volume 5, Issue 2

Spring 2004 Edition

Christians are often asked to pray for missionaries. But what does that mean? Is it simply listing them by name?

The Bible gives us some tremendous examples and exhortations.

New Missionaries Called: Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Matthew 9:38. God is still in the business of calling missionaries.

Open Doors for the message: And pray for us too, that God may open a door for our message. Colossians 4:3. Receptivity to the gospel can be prepared by the Holy Spirit through your prayer.

Clarity in presentation: Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Colossians 4:4. Pray for the ability to learn language well and quickly so that the message may be preached and taught clearly.

Acceptance by the Church: Pray...that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you… Romans 15:31-32. The acceptance of the sending and receiving church is critical to the missionary.

Boldness: Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:20. Presentation of the gospel will at times present danger to the missionary.

Effectiveness in ministry: Finally, brother, pray for us that the message of the Lord, may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. II Thessalonians 3:1

Spiritual and physical protection: And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. II Thessalonians 3:2.

Here are some other practical ways to pray for missionaries today.

Pray for God to demonstrate his power when it is needed to draw people to Christ. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. Acts 13:12. Often miracles, healings, deliverance from demon spirits or resurrections are used to show God’s power over the gods of the people.

Pray for the financial needs of the missionaries. Raising of the budgets often takes valuable time and energy. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution...So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit (offering), I will go to Spain. Romans 15:26,28. Pray that the budget is raised quickly so the missionary can return to the place of ministry.

Pray for grace to stand under persecution. Many serve in dangerous places. Missionaries serve under the knowledge that they may be asked to give their lives. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21:13-14.

Pray for direction to know where to go. Paul and his companions...having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching...in...Asia...They tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to...During the night Paul had a vision…”Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Acts 16:6-9. Missionaries need to know where God wants them to minister. First the country to go to, then the specific locations in the country.

Pray for the schooling of the missionary children. Living where God calls the missionary often places special challenges on schooling the children. The parents’ hearts are for their children. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. III John 4. Pray for God’s will to be done in the lives of the missionary children.

Pray for strong marriages among missionary couples. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23.

6J’s