"Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; with all 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 (NiV).
Pray for our missionaries in other countries. Pray for the missionaries of the Presbyterian Church, USA and those of other Christian churches. What they do is so important. Pray for the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
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.
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.
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. 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).
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.
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.
THESE PRAYERS ARE IMPORTANT FOR MISSIONARIES OVERSEAS AND FOR OUR CONGREGATIONS HERE, AS WE DO MISSION RIGHT IN OUR OWN BACKYARDS AND NEIGHBORHOODS. LOCAL MISSION NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS, TOO>
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