Praying for Missionaries . . . Biblically

By David Butts

The most effective prayer is one that comes directly from God's Word. When we see something in the Bible and know it to be God's will, then we are able to pray with greater faith. This especially applies to our prayer for missionaries. In the Bible, we find a number of prayer requests from the first great missionary, the Apostle Paul. Each of these requests should be included in our prayers for missionaries.

Acceptance. Paul (as are missionaries today) was rightly concerned about how other believers perceived and accepted his ministry. Many missionaries are damaged or discouraged, not by those they are trying to reach with the gospel, but by other missionaries. Each is focused and called by God, but may have a different idea about how to reach a particular group of people. "Pray . . . that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there" (Ro. 15:31).

Boldness. The request is made for courage in presenting the gospel. Getting on an airplane to fly across the ocean does not automatically make a missionary bold. "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" (Eph. 6:19).

Clarity. Paul didn't want to be misunderstood, but rather to be able to communicate the gospel clearly. Can you imagine how difficult it is for a missionary to learn a new language, or try to translate the Bible into a language that has never been written down before? "Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should" (Col. 4:4).

Deliverance. There is a place for the prayer of deliverance from the attack of the enemy, from whatever direction the attack may come. Missionaries need prayers of protection from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm as they serve Christ in a different culture. "Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea" (Ro. 15:31).
Extension. Paul asks for prayer that his ministry may be extended beyond its current boundaries. "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains" (Col. 4:3).

Fruitfulness. Paul, like all missionaries, was concerned about church growth. He wanted to see the gospel spread and be accepted. "Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you" (2 Thess. 3:1).

--David Butts is the president of Harvest Prayer Ministries and the chairman of America's National Prayer Committee.

(The six specific headings for prayer are taken from Prayer Life, by T.W. Hunt and Catherine Walker. Published by the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board.)