Praying for missionaries is one ministry that never has enough workers
"Brethren, pray for us." What missionary has not used this verse in his
presentation to churches? Many of us promise to remember that missionary in our
prayers, but in a week or two our sincere resolve has dwindled to ". . . and
bless all the missionaries as they serve Thee around the world." Our problem is
not that we don't know how to intercede for others, it is just that we neglect
to.
The missionary who solicits your prayers really wants them. He faces loneliness,
persecution, and other difficulties as he serves God in a foreign land. The
power of prayer is a great up-lifter to this dedicated, though sometimes
discouraged, servant of the Lord. The following practical suggestions will aid
you in your ministry of prayer for missionaries.
First of all, remember that missionaries are human just like you. They have the
same tight family budget, fussy kids, and flat tires that you have. When you
catch yourself sending up a short prayer for strength and guidance for yourself
at these times, ask the same for a missionary you know personally. This method
works two ways. It provides the power of prayer needed for both of you, and it
helps you get your eyes off yourself and your troubles.
The whole family can get involved in the following suggestion. In family
devotions, choose one missionary family each night and have each person pray for
a different area of need. One person might pray that the physical needs of the
missionary family will be met. Maybe you will know of specific problems. If not,
pray for good health and adequate medical care. Another family member could pray
for the emotional needs of the family. It can be very stressful to be the only
Americans and/or the only Christians in a community. One person might like to
pray for the intellectual needs. There is often the problem of educating the
children. Many veteran missionaries list this as the number one problem of the
missionary service. Then, of course, remember the spiritual needs of the
missionary family. They are in the midst of spiritual warfare and need your
prayer support.
Utilize prayer cards. Put them in a place where you will be sure to see them and
remember to pray. Many put them by the telephone, on the refrigerator, or in
their Bibles. Others have a special bulletin board in a prominent place in the
house. When you receive prayer letters, post them with the praises and requests
underlined.
You might like to organize a group of thirty fellow Christians to pray with you
about the salvation of souls around the world. This can be easily organized by
making a list of all the countries in the world and dividing that list into
thirty groups. If each person begins to pray for a different section of the list
and promises to pray each day, the entire world will be interceded for every day
of the month. On this list you should leave room for your prayer partners to
fill in current news events and the names of missionaries they may know in
various countries. This will make your prayers more personal.
One lady I know begins every day by praying for a specific missionary. She says
the Lord never fails to bring that family to her remembrance throughout the day
so that she might pray more.
Often we tend to remember only those missionaries who are presently serving on
foreign soil, but there are other missionaries who need our prayers just as
much. Have you prayed for those who work in the home offices of the mission
boards? Their work is vital and demanding. How about those missionary children
who are away from their parents in a Christian college--have you thought to pray
for them? There are others we should remember: those on deputation, in language
school, on furlough--all need to be upheld in prayer.
There is one group we must pray for although we may not know their names. They
are the "potential missionaries." The Lord commands in Matthew 9:37-38 that we
pray that the Holy Spirit might send forth laborers. Perhaps the lack of
missionary volunteers today is because of our failure to obey this Scripture.
Praying for missionaries is a ministry that needs many more workers. The rewards
are plentiful. You will find your burden for the lost at home and abroad
increasing. You may develop lifelong friendships with some of God's choicest
servants. Souls will be saved, the work of God will be strengthened, and your
faith will be increased all because you remembered to pray.
by Leilani Mortland © Bob Jones University. All rights reserved. This
material may be copied and forwarded electronically free of charge, as long as
the above copyright notice appears on all subsequent copies.