Seven ways to pray according to the Apostle Paul.
- Pray for open doors
- Pray for courage to witness
- Pray that the Word God is proclaimed without obstacles
- Pray for protection
- Pray that there will be harmony and acceptance among the believers
- Pray for God's direction and help while they travel
- Pray for renewal
1. Pray for open doors
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds..." Colossians 4:2,3 (NVI).
We cannot take for granted that there are open doors everywhere. Many missionaries work in countries with restricted access or in areas that are resistant to the Gospel, where, even though there are open doors, there are
closed hearts.
- Pray that God will guide the missionaries as they cross barriers and find hearts ready to receive the Word of God.
- Pray that God opens doors for ministry, partnership and friendship.
- Pray that those serving would be guided by the Holy Spirit and be able to recognize opportunities.
2. Pray for courage to witness
"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should"
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV).
Why do we have to pray for courage for our missionaries?
They need courage to:
- Minister effectively in other cultures and languages
- Defeat the power of the enemy's opposition
- Conquer fear of failure and shame.
3. Pray that the Word God is proclaimed without obstacles
"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you" 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NIV).
In order for the Word of God to flow freely, the obstacles have to be removed. The enemy is trying to hinder the work of God and has to be resisted. (Santiago 4:7). In the same way that Aaron and Hur supported the arms of Moses in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12) you can support the tired arms of the missionaries with your prayers. We are reminded that our fight is against the spiritual forces of evil that attack in any area. (Ephesians 6:10-18).
4. Pray for protection
¨... pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith" 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (NIV).
- Pray that God will protect them from those who seek to do them harm.
- Pray that God will change the hearts of those who oppose the Word of God and those who bring it.
5. Pray that there will be harmony and acceptance among the believers
"Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;" Romans 15:30,31 (NIV).
Cooperation and support are essential for the progress of the missionary work.
- Pray that the ministry and the attitude of the missionaries are acceptable and that their colleagues and other believers support them.
6. Pray for God's direction and help while they travel
"...so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company" Romans 15:32 (NIV).
Missionaries travel frequently and their mode of transportation varies greatly. Many times traveling produces tension. Pray for things that are needed when they travel: protection, favorable travel conditions, visas and permission, etc.
7. Pray for renewal
".so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company" Romans 15:32 (NASB - Emphasis added).
- Pray that the missionaries seek the Holy Spirit and be encouraged by Him.
- Pray that they have the discipline to study the Word of God, to pray faithfully so that God will reward him publicly.
- Pray that they will have good Christian fellowship with other believers.
"I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" Romans 15:30 (NIV).
Partners in Prayer
The Apostle Paul was a missionary and a man of prayer. He prayed for those who did not know Christ. He prayed for the believers and for the new churches established through his ministry. He also asked other believers to pray for him. "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" Romans 15:30 (NIV).
The Apostle Paul also knew that prayer bears fruit:
"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. 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 Corinthians 1:10, 11 (NIV).
In his epistle, Paul gave specific prayer requests for the believers to pray. As a prayer "partner" of missionaries, you also will be a part of the impact that the Lord makes around the world.
The Apostle Paul understood the greatest need of missionaries.
You can use these 7 ways of praying and change them into specific prayer requests of your missionary friends.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" Philippians 1:3-5 (NIV).
Thank you for praying
For more information and opportunities to participate in prayer, contact us.