After months or years of sharing their burdens with churches, missionaries finally begin their on-field ministry. At this time they need their supporters and prayer partners more than ever. How can you pray for your foreign and USA missionaries? Pray for…
Cultural Adjustment – Pray that they will quickly adjust to their new and different culture. “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law” (1 Corinthians 9:20).
Language Learning – Pray that they will become fluent in the language so they can reach more people for Christ. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Open Doors to Share God’s Word – Pray for boldness (Eph. 6:19). “Praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3).
Discipling Others – Pray they can train others to become leaders and accept ministry responsibilities. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Wisdom and Discernment – Pray that the Lord will help them make good decisions as they minister in their new country and culture. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
Productive Ministry – Pray for their ministry to bring forth much fruit. “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).
Unity With Their Mission Team – Pray there will be no personality or other conflicts that would hinder their ministry. “And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other” (Acts 15:39).
Financial Provision – Pray that God would provide for their financial and physical needs. Missionaries depend on faithful financial support from churches and individuals, as most cannot earn other income in their new location. Often there are unexpected expenses. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Family Unity – Pray for supportive wives, loving husbands, and obedient children. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephesians 5:25). “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
Contentment – Pray they will have joy in the place God has put them. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11).
Physical Protection – Pray for them as they face opposition. “And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
Travel Safety – Pray for safety in dangerous situations. “Thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep” (2 Cor 11:25).
Spiritual Battles – Pray for daily victory. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Encouragement at Lonely Times – Pray for their emotional well being and for their extended families. Missionary work can be challenging and discouraging. They sometimes feel alone, even in a crowded city. They are away from loved ones and extended family for long periods of time. “Only Luke is with me” (2 Timothy 4:11).
Spiritual Refreshing – Pray they will have time alone with God and be refreshed to continue in ministry. “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone” (Matthew 14:23).
Spiritual Strength – Pray for strength through mentally and emotionally demanding times. “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD” (Psalms 112:7).
Strength and to Not Quit – Pray that they will remain faithful and continue through difficulties. Pray that God would renew their strength and spirit. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Remember, prayer is a powerful way to support and encourage missionaries. By praying for them regularly, you can make a big difference in their lives and the lives of those they serve.
SWM specializes in deaf ministry. Has the Lord burdened you to help reach Deaf people for Christ? Do you need help with your deaf ministry? Do you have abilities that you could use to serve the Lord at SWM? Has God called you to be a missionary to the Deaf?
Contact Jon by clicking here or call SWM: 706-657-8000
