Pray for missionaries
Perhaps God has placed a desire in your heart to pray for missionaries everywhere, or maybe for one particular missionary. Either way, God has a great plan to use you to help complete his mission of making his name known among the nations as you participate through prayer. Use these seven points to fuel your prayers for missionaries and Bible translation work around the world.
PRAY FOR OPEN DOORS
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message. ...
— Colossians 4:2–3a (NIV)
Open doors can’t be taken for granted. Many missionaries work in countries that are difficult to access or in areas that are resistant to the gospel. But open doors include more than just access to nations and people groups. Individuals’ hearts also need to be open and receptive to God’s truth.
Pray ...
PRAY FOR BOLDNESS
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. ... — Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
Missionaries are regular people who fear pain and rejection as much as anyone else. When faced with opposition, they need God’s strength to help them stand firm.
Pray ...
PRAY THAT GOD’S WORD WILL SPREAD
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. — 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NLT)
Obstacles must be removed to allow God’s Word to spread rapidly and freely, and missionaries need the strength to continue on in the face of opposition or difficulties. Just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ arms in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12), you can strengthen the arms of missionaries by supporting them through your prayers.
Pray ...
PRAY FOR PROTECTION
Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. — 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (NLT)
In some countries, missionaries may be exposed to the possibility of danger and personal harm. Opposition to the gospel may include hatred and violence.
Pray ...
PRAY FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRY
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." — John 15:5 (NLT)
It’s important to rely on God for all aspects of ministry — especially during times of great difficulty, so that efforts will produce fruit and ultimately a harvest will be gathered.
Pray ...
PRAY FOR TRAVEL
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” — Mark 16:15 (NLT)
Many missionaries travel frequently, both nationally and internationally. Their modes of transportation may vary from airplanes to buses, to canoes and motorbikes, and everything in between.
Pray ...
PRAY FOR REFRESHMENT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
Missionaries deal with many of the same stresses you face in life, like overwhelming workloads, conflicts in relationships and financial uncertainties. Often, however, missionaries struggle with these issues alone, without the fellowship and support of other Christians. Living and working cross-culturally adds an additional element that can challenge their emotional, spiritual and physical vitality.
Pray ...
Credit: These prayer helps are adapted from Wycliffe.
PRAY FOR OPEN DOORS
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message. ...
— Colossians 4:2–3a (NIV)
Open doors can’t be taken for granted. Many missionaries work in countries that are difficult to access or in areas that are resistant to the gospel. But open doors include more than just access to nations and people groups. Individuals’ hearts also need to be open and receptive to God’s truth.
Pray ...
- That God will open doors of ministry, blessing partnerships and friendships.
- That those who serve will be led by the Holy Spirit and recognize open‑door opportunities.
- That God will lead his people past barriers to hearts ready to receive his Word.
PRAY FOR BOLDNESS
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. ... — Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
Missionaries are regular people who fear pain and rejection as much as anyone else. When faced with opposition, they need God’s strength to help them stand firm.
Pray ...
- That the Holy Spirit will provide missionaries with words that communicate effectively in other cultures and languages.
- That they will have boldness to overcome the fear of embarrassment or failure.
- Against evil forces that would seek to hinder the spread of the gospel.
PRAY THAT GOD’S WORD WILL SPREAD
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. — 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NLT)
Obstacles must be removed to allow God’s Word to spread rapidly and freely, and missionaries need the strength to continue on in the face of opposition or difficulties. Just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ arms in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12), you can strengthen the arms of missionaries by supporting them through your prayers.
Pray ...
- For strength and stamina as missionaries encounter antagonistic spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:10–18).
- That people will resist Satan’s plans to obstruct the spread of the gospel (James 4:7).
- That God’s Word will indeed spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes.
PRAY FOR PROTECTION
Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. — 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (NLT)
In some countries, missionaries may be exposed to the possibility of danger and personal harm. Opposition to the gospel may include hatred and violence.
Pray ...
- That God will keep missionaries safe.
- That God will change the hearts of those who are resistant to his Word.
PRAY FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRY
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." — John 15:5 (NLT)
It’s important to rely on God for all aspects of ministry — especially during times of great difficulty, so that efforts will produce fruit and ultimately a harvest will be gathered.
Pray ...
- That God will provide strength and perseverance when their ministry seems to be fruitless.
- That seeds will be planted and that missionaries would be able to see the fruits of their labor.
- That an abundant harvest will be produced as more people learn about the love of Christ.
PRAY FOR TRAVEL
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” — Mark 16:15 (NLT)
Many missionaries travel frequently, both nationally and internationally. Their modes of transportation may vary from airplanes to buses, to canoes and motorbikes, and everything in between.
Pray ...
- For required permissions to be granted for travel (visas and passports) and for necessary funds for tickets and fees.
- For protection and provision during travel.
- For God’s grace and favor when challenges or obstacles appear on any journey.
PRAY FOR REFRESHMENT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
Missionaries deal with many of the same stresses you face in life, like overwhelming workloads, conflicts in relationships and financial uncertainties. Often, however, missionaries struggle with these issues alone, without the fellowship and support of other Christians. Living and working cross-culturally adds an additional element that can challenge their emotional, spiritual and physical vitality.
Pray ...
- That God will provide opportunities for missionaries in isolated areas to spend time with other believers.
- That God will provide times of peace and relaxation to refresh his workers.
- For restoration — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually — that can only be found in Jesus.
Credit: These prayer helps are adapted from Wycliffe.
21 Short Christian Prayers for Missionaries
Many missionaries face daily threats depending upon where they are in the world, and bringing the Word of God to others is no easy task. Here are 21 short Christian prayers for missionaries.
Prayer for Protection
All-Powerful Lord, I come before You on behalf of those serving overseas in unsafe conditions. I want to ask gracious Lord, that You would cover each member of the family with a hedge of protection and watch over them as they come and go. I pray that You remove from before them any snares or traps of their enemies. I pray You keep them safe so that they can continue in their ministry. Amen.
Prayer for Spiritual Warfare
God of Heaven’s Armies, I come before You on behalf of the missionaries around the world. Their calling has taken them to places where Your enemy defends with great fierceness. Your enemy targets them because they seek to lead the lost to salvation. Please protect them against the invisible enemy with Your mighty arm. For the sake of those who will believe, teach them how to fight spiritual battles, and stand their ground. Be their shield, Lord, and guard them. Amen.
Prayer for Provision
Gracious Father, I pray on behalf of my missionary friends. They are dependent upon the offerings and support of others. Lord, I pray You would burden the hearts of more people to support their work. I pray You would go beyond those that know of them. I pray that You open the hearts of people they don’t know and start new ministry partnerships. Please open the storehouses of Heaven and pour financial blessings over them. Amen.
Prayer for Encouraging Prayers
Blessed Father, I come before You for the missionaries around the world. Often their isolation can make them feel like they are alone. I especially pray for the single missionaries, Lord. I ask in the name of Jesus that when they feel alone that You would remind them that we are praying for them. They are not alone. We are with them. I pray they will physically sense our prayers for them and find the encouragement to continue the work You have given them. Amen.
Prayer for Fruitfulness
God of Blessing, ministering overseas is a daunting task, much more than we realize. Lord, I pray You would bless their plans to reach their people or city for Your glory. I pray, Lord, that You would take the seeds they are planting and bring them to the fruition You desire. Please open the hearts of the people in their area to Your truth. Go before them and prepare the hearts of the people that will be Yours. Amen.
Prayer for Wisdom
Precious Holy Spirit, missionaries have so much responsibility. I pray You watch over and guide them as they seek to reach the lost around them. I know all wisdom comes from You, so please grant them wisdom in abundance. As they work in dangerous places, I ask that You give them supernatural wisdom and discernment to know what is safe and what is not. Please bestow Your wisdom upon the missionaries today. Amen.
Prayer for Guidance
God of Light, missionaries have the difficult task of finding ways into the people groups they are trying to reach. They have many choices, ideas, and suggestions. Their plans are always before them. Experience shows that something that works well in one place does not necessarily work in other areas. For this reason, I am asking You to please guide their plans and bless the work of their hands. Amen.
Prayer for Health
Jesus, my Great Physician, many missionaries are living in unsanitary conditions. They live, work, buy groceries, and simply exist in unhygienic situations. I pray that You would place a hedge of protection around them and their families. Please protect their health and cover them with Your love. Where there is illness today, reach out Your hand and heal. Transportation may be necessary to get the sick to safety, gracious father I pray that You provide for that as well. Amen
Prayer for Emotional Well-Being
Heavenly Father, sometimes being isolated from your home, culture, family, friends, and your church can become overwhelming for missionaries. I pray Your covering over their emotional well-being. I specifically pray for those who are new to the field, as they are most vulnerable to the adjustment. Gracious Lord, I pray that You would place a desire in our hearts to reach out to them in creative ways so the distance will not seem so far. Guard their minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Prayer for Spiritual Life
Abba, Father, daily life in a foreign culture takes more energy and time to live. I pray You would give the missionaries a hunger in their heart for time with You. Please lead families to worship together. Please break down the walls of their busy lives. Their tasks are demanding, but their spiritual health must come first. I pray, Gracious Lord, that You instill a spiritual hunger within each of them so they can be the most effective. Amen.
Prayer for Language Studies
Blessed Lord in Heaven, I want to pray for the missionaries who are currently in language studies. I pray You would grant them great wisdom and understanding in their studies. I specifically pray for those that are new to the field. It can be quite overwhelming in the beginning. I ask You to grant them an extra measure of peace, resolve, and understanding. Grant them success in their studies so that those You have called can know You. Amen.
Prayer for Mental Health
Oh, Jesus, my Great Healer, I come before You requesting Your blessing for the missionaries today. Often isolation and stress can push them to the point of a mental breakdown. I pray that You give them the mind of Christ and protect them. I pray that You provide the help needed for any who are already suffering from mental distress. I place them all into Your loving hands and ask for Your covering over them. Amen.
Prayer for the Children
Compassionate and Gracious God, I come before You and pray for the missionary children. Their lives are unique and sometimes challenging. Children are resilient, Lord; however, often they go through great trials and struggles. I pray You increase their strength and wisdom. I also ask that You protect them physically and spiritually. Guard their hearts, Lord, and set them apart for Your service. Amen.
Prayer for Faithfulness
God of Loving Devotion, I pray for the missionaries all over the planet. I ask that You help them remain faithful to the call that You have given. I pray that when they feel like giving up, that You will grant them Your strength and a desire to carry-on. I ask that when they don’t feel like leaving their home, that You will place Your fire in their chests. Gracious Lord, please help them carry-on being Your hands and feet. Amen.
Prayer for Help to Navigate Life
God of Victory, I pray for the missionaries in the world today. Life can be challenging, especially in the early days of their service. The simplest tasks require learning new words, and it can be overwhelming. I ask that You give each missionary a spirit of adventure. Help them to see that each obstacle or hardship may be the next opportunity to share Your love with someone. Lord, grant strength and resolve as they go throughout this day. Amen.
Prayer Against Discouragement
All-Knowing Father, I want to pray for missionaries today. Many times, the lack of fruit in their labors can cause discouragement. Their discouragement can lead to self-doubt and depression. I pray that as they face these discouraging moments, that You encourage them in their ministries. Please grant them peace to wait for Your timing and wisdom for reaching the lost. Amen.
Prayer for Blessings
God of Loving Devotion, it is hard for us to understand everything that our missionaries are going through. What they truly need from us is to keep them before You in our prayers. Your Word speaks much about how You bless Your children, and it is on those promises that I base my prayer today. I am asking that Your Spirit go across the planet and bless every missionary with what they need today. Amen.
Prayer for Materials
Righteous Savior, many of our missionaries are working in areas where ministry resources are not readily available. It’s hard for us to understand lacking basic necessities and resources because of how lucky we are to live in comfort. I pray that You give them the discernment on how to work around challenges. Help them to think outside the box if resources are not available. Bless them with a safe way to obtain what they need. Amen.
Prayer for Laborers
God my Sustainer, our missionaries are making plans and praying through ways to reach people and spread Your Gospel. Many of their ideas require additional feet on the ground. I pray, Lord, that You broaden their pool of laborers. I pray You touch the hearts of those who can go and walk alongside them in the task that You have given. I pray You grant the missionaries success in their search for volunteers. God, please increase their number. Amen.
Prayer for God to Hide Them
God of Heaven’s Armies, many of our missionaries are serving in very hostile places for the Gospel. It is for those missionaries that I come before You. I ask for Your hedge of protection and covering over them. I pray You would hide their plans and actions from Your enemies. Many have plans to harm them, their ministry, or the new believers; please provide the covering they need. Amen.
Prayer to Provide Prayer Partners
Heavenly Lord, I come before You on behalf of the missionaries around the world today. I want to place them into Your hands, Lord, and ask for a hedge of protection around them. You know which individuals need prayer right now. I pray on their behalf, asking for Your blessing. The most vital part of any ministry endeavor is prayer. For this reason, I also ask for You to provide other prayer warriors who will stand beside them in their ministry through prayer. Amen.
From https://connectusfund.org/21-short-christian-prayers-for-missionaries
Many missionaries face daily threats depending upon where they are in the world, and bringing the Word of God to others is no easy task. Here are 21 short Christian prayers for missionaries.
Prayer for Protection
All-Powerful Lord, I come before You on behalf of those serving overseas in unsafe conditions. I want to ask gracious Lord, that You would cover each member of the family with a hedge of protection and watch over them as they come and go. I pray that You remove from before them any snares or traps of their enemies. I pray You keep them safe so that they can continue in their ministry. Amen.
Prayer for Spiritual Warfare
God of Heaven’s Armies, I come before You on behalf of the missionaries around the world. Their calling has taken them to places where Your enemy defends with great fierceness. Your enemy targets them because they seek to lead the lost to salvation. Please protect them against the invisible enemy with Your mighty arm. For the sake of those who will believe, teach them how to fight spiritual battles, and stand their ground. Be their shield, Lord, and guard them. Amen.
Prayer for Provision
Gracious Father, I pray on behalf of my missionary friends. They are dependent upon the offerings and support of others. Lord, I pray You would burden the hearts of more people to support their work. I pray You would go beyond those that know of them. I pray that You open the hearts of people they don’t know and start new ministry partnerships. Please open the storehouses of Heaven and pour financial blessings over them. Amen.
Prayer for Encouraging Prayers
Blessed Father, I come before You for the missionaries around the world. Often their isolation can make them feel like they are alone. I especially pray for the single missionaries, Lord. I ask in the name of Jesus that when they feel alone that You would remind them that we are praying for them. They are not alone. We are with them. I pray they will physically sense our prayers for them and find the encouragement to continue the work You have given them. Amen.
Prayer for Fruitfulness
God of Blessing, ministering overseas is a daunting task, much more than we realize. Lord, I pray You would bless their plans to reach their people or city for Your glory. I pray, Lord, that You would take the seeds they are planting and bring them to the fruition You desire. Please open the hearts of the people in their area to Your truth. Go before them and prepare the hearts of the people that will be Yours. Amen.
Prayer for Wisdom
Precious Holy Spirit, missionaries have so much responsibility. I pray You watch over and guide them as they seek to reach the lost around them. I know all wisdom comes from You, so please grant them wisdom in abundance. As they work in dangerous places, I ask that You give them supernatural wisdom and discernment to know what is safe and what is not. Please bestow Your wisdom upon the missionaries today. Amen.
Prayer for Guidance
God of Light, missionaries have the difficult task of finding ways into the people groups they are trying to reach. They have many choices, ideas, and suggestions. Their plans are always before them. Experience shows that something that works well in one place does not necessarily work in other areas. For this reason, I am asking You to please guide their plans and bless the work of their hands. Amen.
Prayer for Health
Jesus, my Great Physician, many missionaries are living in unsanitary conditions. They live, work, buy groceries, and simply exist in unhygienic situations. I pray that You would place a hedge of protection around them and their families. Please protect their health and cover them with Your love. Where there is illness today, reach out Your hand and heal. Transportation may be necessary to get the sick to safety, gracious father I pray that You provide for that as well. Amen
Prayer for Emotional Well-Being
Heavenly Father, sometimes being isolated from your home, culture, family, friends, and your church can become overwhelming for missionaries. I pray Your covering over their emotional well-being. I specifically pray for those who are new to the field, as they are most vulnerable to the adjustment. Gracious Lord, I pray that You would place a desire in our hearts to reach out to them in creative ways so the distance will not seem so far. Guard their minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Prayer for Spiritual Life
Abba, Father, daily life in a foreign culture takes more energy and time to live. I pray You would give the missionaries a hunger in their heart for time with You. Please lead families to worship together. Please break down the walls of their busy lives. Their tasks are demanding, but their spiritual health must come first. I pray, Gracious Lord, that You instill a spiritual hunger within each of them so they can be the most effective. Amen.
Prayer for Language Studies
Blessed Lord in Heaven, I want to pray for the missionaries who are currently in language studies. I pray You would grant them great wisdom and understanding in their studies. I specifically pray for those that are new to the field. It can be quite overwhelming in the beginning. I ask You to grant them an extra measure of peace, resolve, and understanding. Grant them success in their studies so that those You have called can know You. Amen.
Prayer for Mental Health
Oh, Jesus, my Great Healer, I come before You requesting Your blessing for the missionaries today. Often isolation and stress can push them to the point of a mental breakdown. I pray that You give them the mind of Christ and protect them. I pray that You provide the help needed for any who are already suffering from mental distress. I place them all into Your loving hands and ask for Your covering over them. Amen.
Prayer for the Children
Compassionate and Gracious God, I come before You and pray for the missionary children. Their lives are unique and sometimes challenging. Children are resilient, Lord; however, often they go through great trials and struggles. I pray You increase their strength and wisdom. I also ask that You protect them physically and spiritually. Guard their hearts, Lord, and set them apart for Your service. Amen.
Prayer for Faithfulness
God of Loving Devotion, I pray for the missionaries all over the planet. I ask that You help them remain faithful to the call that You have given. I pray that when they feel like giving up, that You will grant them Your strength and a desire to carry-on. I ask that when they don’t feel like leaving their home, that You will place Your fire in their chests. Gracious Lord, please help them carry-on being Your hands and feet. Amen.
Prayer for Help to Navigate Life
God of Victory, I pray for the missionaries in the world today. Life can be challenging, especially in the early days of their service. The simplest tasks require learning new words, and it can be overwhelming. I ask that You give each missionary a spirit of adventure. Help them to see that each obstacle or hardship may be the next opportunity to share Your love with someone. Lord, grant strength and resolve as they go throughout this day. Amen.
Prayer Against Discouragement
All-Knowing Father, I want to pray for missionaries today. Many times, the lack of fruit in their labors can cause discouragement. Their discouragement can lead to self-doubt and depression. I pray that as they face these discouraging moments, that You encourage them in their ministries. Please grant them peace to wait for Your timing and wisdom for reaching the lost. Amen.
Prayer for Blessings
God of Loving Devotion, it is hard for us to understand everything that our missionaries are going through. What they truly need from us is to keep them before You in our prayers. Your Word speaks much about how You bless Your children, and it is on those promises that I base my prayer today. I am asking that Your Spirit go across the planet and bless every missionary with what they need today. Amen.
Prayer for Materials
Righteous Savior, many of our missionaries are working in areas where ministry resources are not readily available. It’s hard for us to understand lacking basic necessities and resources because of how lucky we are to live in comfort. I pray that You give them the discernment on how to work around challenges. Help them to think outside the box if resources are not available. Bless them with a safe way to obtain what they need. Amen.
Prayer for Laborers
God my Sustainer, our missionaries are making plans and praying through ways to reach people and spread Your Gospel. Many of their ideas require additional feet on the ground. I pray, Lord, that You broaden their pool of laborers. I pray You touch the hearts of those who can go and walk alongside them in the task that You have given. I pray You grant the missionaries success in their search for volunteers. God, please increase their number. Amen.
Prayer for God to Hide Them
God of Heaven’s Armies, many of our missionaries are serving in very hostile places for the Gospel. It is for those missionaries that I come before You. I ask for Your hedge of protection and covering over them. I pray You would hide their plans and actions from Your enemies. Many have plans to harm them, their ministry, or the new believers; please provide the covering they need. Amen.
Prayer to Provide Prayer Partners
Heavenly Lord, I come before You on behalf of the missionaries around the world today. I want to place them into Your hands, Lord, and ask for a hedge of protection around them. You know which individuals need prayer right now. I pray on their behalf, asking for Your blessing. The most vital part of any ministry endeavor is prayer. For this reason, I also ask for You to provide other prayer warriors who will stand beside them in their ministry through prayer. Amen.
From https://connectusfund.org/21-short-christian-prayers-for-missionaries
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