7 Ways to Pray for a Missionary

OCTOBER 11, 2021   |   2.5 MINUTE READ
JEFF & CHRISTINE STANFIELD, AREA MEMBER HEALTH LEADERS FOR AFRICA

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Cor. 1:8–11 (NIV)

Missionaries today are in situations and circumstances that put them under great pressure, which may feel far beyond their ability to endure. Here are some generalized examples, applicable anywhere today:

• Medical workers care for patients in under-resourced areas, which sometimes creates great pressure as they endure death of patients that might not have died if circumstances were different.
• Repetitive lockdowns as part of pandemic management can lead to isolation, feelings of uselessness when ministry cannot continue as it was, separation from ministry partners, and potentially even to depression.
• Seeing friends and neighbors unable to work because of pandemic restrictions and not being able to provide relief assistance can lead to feeling distressed and a sense of “survival guilt.”

Prayer is a vital ingredient in effective missions. Missionaries need believers to pray for them and help them through prayer. Last month, the Member Health team shared “7 Ways to Encourage a Missionary.” This month, we have seven ways you can join in ministry with your missionaries through prayer.

1. Pray for missionaries’ diligence in their relationship with God. It is vitally important that missionaries love and study God’s Word, have a strong prayer life, and can discern the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides them. Pray for a vital relationship with God.
2. Pray for the physical and emotional needs of missionaries. This includes good health, safety, stamina, and a right sense of priority. It is also important to pray against illness, discouragement, loneliness, and depression. Pray that they long for the things of God and not the things of this world.
3. Pray for the family relationships of missionaries. Pray against temptations that destroy families, for strong and healthy friendships, and for contentedness in relationships. If a missionary has children, pray for the growth and salvation of each child, as well as for health and education needs.
4. Pray for the ability of missionaries to communicate. Communication is crucial to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for language study and for courage to continue learning and using the new language. Also pray for cultural understanding and adaptation, so the missionary can identify with the people, adjusting personal lifestyle and cultural preferences, to rightly communicate spiritual truth.
5. Pray for effective ministry. Remember to pray for what missionaries are doing: teaching, medical work, administrating, counseling, preaching. Pray also for the people they are ministering to. Pray for boldness, open eyes to see and ears to hear, and for hearts to receive truth. Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower missionaries.
6. Pray for the team relationships of the missionary. Missionaries usually serve with other people. Pray for strong, healthy team relationships, that co-laborers will appreciate and sharpen one another in good and helpful ways, accurately reflecting Christ as they serve together. Please pray against complaint, ingratitude, and other temptations that can bring divisiveness.
7. Pray for the country where the missionary serves. Pray over the political situation, government, and its leaders, for necessary visas to be obtained, for freedom to do the ministry they are part of, and for responsiveness to the Gospel.

Thank you for helping missionaries by your prayer. Your prayer is vital to effective missions.

Author Bio: Jeff and Christine Stanfield served as missionaries in Kenya and Uganda for almost thirty years. They are now part of the Member Health team at WGM headquarters.