How to Pray for Independent Missionaries

In today's world, independent Christian missionaries play a crucial role in spreading the message of Christianity across the globe. These individuals have taken it upon themselves to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, even in remote locations where access to the Word of God is very limited. As believers, it is essential that we support and pray for these missionaries as they face many challenges in their work. In this article, we will discuss how we can pray for independent Christian missionaries and support them in their mission.

Pray for Their Safety

Independent missionaries often travel to remote locations where infrastructure is limited and living conditions are harsh. Therefore, it is essential to pray for their safety as they travel and work in these areas. Consider Ezra’s prayer before setting out from Babylon to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:21–23, 31). Pray for protection against accidents, illnesses, and any dangers they may face while on their mission. Are you unsure how to pray because you don’t know what all missionaries may face? Try praying over the list of challenges the apostle Paul faced in 2 Corinthians 11:23–29. We can also pray that they would receive the necessary resources and support to help them in their work (Philippians 4:18–19).

Pray for Their Families

Independent Christian missionaries often leave their families behind as they embark on their mission. This can be a challenging time for both the missionary and their family. Therefore, it is essential to pray for the families of independent missionaries. Pray that God will provide for them, protect them, and give them peace during their time apart. Pray for their spouse, children, siblings, and parents—all of whom have to sacrifice in order to support their loved one in the field. When asked about this very thing, Jesus encouraged His disciples to look to the reward, both now and in the age to come:

“Peter began to say to him, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.’” (Mark 10:28–30 LSB)

Pray for Their Ministry

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul gave this appeal: “Strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf…that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints” (Romans 15:30–32 LSB). He believed that prayer was essential for the success of his ministry, and the success of the work of independent missionaries today is no exception.

Pray that God will bless their ministry and give them wisdom and guidance as they reach out to people in remote locations. Pray that they will have opportunities to share the gospel (Colossians 4:2–6), and that people's hearts will be receptive to their message (Acts 16:14).

Pray for Their Finances

Independent Christian missionaries often rely on donations to support themselves and their work. Pray that God will provide for their financial needs and that they will have the resources they need to continue their work (Philippians 4:18). Pray that they will be wise stewards of the resources they receive and that they will use them to further God's kingdom (1 Corinthians 4:1–2).

Pray for Their Spiritual and Emotional Well-Being

Independent missionaries often face loneliness, isolation, and spiritual attacks while on their mission. Therefore, it is essential to pray for their spiritual and emotional well-being. As the elder prayed for the beloved Gaius, so ought we to pray for missionaries: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul” (3 John 2 LSB).

Pray that independent Christian missionaries will feel the presence of God with them and that they will have a strong sense of purpose and calling. Pray that they will have meaningful relationships and friendships with other believers. Paul often tells of how these kinds of meaningful relationships offered refreshing rest to his soul (1 Corinthians 16:17–18; 2 Corinthians 7:13; Philemon 7, 20). So, pray that missionaries will be encouraged and supported in their work.

Conclusion

Independent Christian missionaries play a critical role in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to remote locations. As believers, it is essential that we bear their burdens (Galatians 6:2) by supporting and praying for them as they face many challenges in their work. By committing to pray regularly for their safety, families, ministry, finances, and spiritual and emotional well-being, we become “fellow workers for the truth” (3 John 8 LSB) and help them in their mission to further God's kingdom.