HOW TO PRAY FOR MISSIONARIES

Excerpt taken from Dr. Will Bruce's book "World Prayer"

Be specific, systematic and steadfast.

Pray as for yourself. Any problem you have, the missionary may also have, but it will be magnified by his situation and circumstances.

Try using a passage of Scripture when you are praying for your missionary, such as Ephesians 1: 15-23, Colossians 1: 9-14, or Ephesians 3: 16-21.

The Missionary Faces Many Frustrations

There is much to discourage and frustrate the missionary, including language disparity, customs and culture, unfamiliar food, climate, lack of privacy and lack of results.

Pray for the missionary to be graciously flexible and able in very practical ways to obey the injunction of Philippians 4: 6 (worry about nothing, pray about everything).

The Missionary Faces Loneliness

It is easy to succumb to loneliness in a foreign land surrounded by people of another culture and language. But God's promise in Hebrews 13: 5 is, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (KJV)

Pray that the missionary will experience fellowship with God in new and satisfying ways.

The Missionary Must Remember the Meaning Of Being A Missionary

Our mission is to be servants to all. We are God's instruments, to be used as He sees fit. We must learn to work as team members regardless of our training, our talents or lack of either.

Pray that the missionary will have the humility of Christ as described in Philippians 2: 5-8.

The Missionary's Insight Needs To Be Sharpened

We need insight into methods of work in order to know what will best accomplish the task. We need insight concerning our priorities and setting goals, Once we acquire a working knowledge of the language, we need real wisdom form God to know which opportunities to pursue and which to leave undone.

Pray that the missionary will have a heightened sympathy and insight into the heart-needs of those around him. Pray, too, that he will have insight and heavenly wisdom to know what God would have him undertake and how He would have him go about it.

The Missionary Needs To Constantly Show Love

Love is required at all times, in all circumstances, for all people. Our human love will not do; it always falls short. Only the love of God, which is "shed abroad" in our hearts, will do.

Pray for the missionary as Paul prayed in Philippians 1: 9 (that love "may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight," NIV). Pray that at all times, in all circumstances, with all people, we will take that which God has so fully and freely provided.

The Missionary Needs Prayer In Raising His Children

We need wisdom to train and teach them in ways well pleasing to God and in full accordance with His Word.

Pray for the health of missionary children. Pray that both parents will be godly role models. Pray that parents may have wisdom in providing for their education. Pray that children, as well as parents, will have a good understanding and attitude should separation become necessary for schooling. Pray especially that the children will not let any bitterness take root because of separation.

Share The Missionary's Burden For Additional Workers, Both National And Foreign

We must have more coworkers to gather in the harvest and disciple those who are coming to Christ.

Pray that many more at home and on the foreign field will make "His last command their first concern."