Praying for Missionaries With Confidence

Praying for missionaries is an important missionary tool, and we make a grave mistake when we neglect it. Here are some ways to begin praying.

By D. Scott Hildreth

This time of year Southern Baptists focus attention on the international mission field. We do this through an emphasis on the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and as we engage in a Week of Prayer for International Missions. It’s tempting to elevate the financial gifts of our Christmas offering above prayer. After all, we know our missionaries and their specific ministries have significant financial needs, and things aren’t getting cheaper.

However, we make a grave mistake when we neglect prayer as a significant missionary tool. When William Carey, the father of modern missions, sensed God’s call to the mission field, he told his friend, Andrew Fuller, “I will go down into the pit if you will hold the ropes.” The same request is on the lips of missionaries today. Will you hold the ropes in prayer? Below, we will discuss three ways to pray for missionaries during this season of prayer.

“We make a grave mistake when we neglect prayer as a significant missionary tool.” — @dshildreth Share on X

As Paul concludes 2 Thessalonians—a letter to relatively new believers—he asks them for prayer. His request shows us how we can pray more effectively for missions.

In addition, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3, CSB

1. Pray for missionary success

Paul asks them to pray for the spread of the gospel and its reception. His first request is that, through Paul’s preaching, the gospel would spread far and wide. Anyone who has struggled to share Christ in a context where He isn’t known understands the agonizing struggle of evangelism. It often feels like the message is bogged down in mud. It’s exceedingly painful to watch people live in darkness when the light of the gospel is so near. So, when we pray for missionaries, we pray for success.

2. Pray for a full reception of the message

In one of the more picturesque moments in his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul points them back to their own conversion as source material for prayer.

…because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out. Therefore, we don’t need to say anything, for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, CSB

These men and women had experienced the full transformation that resulted from believing the gospel. When you think about praying for missionaries, reflect on your own testimony. What change has the gospel made in your life? Did it give you hope? Did it destroy your addictions? Or did it erase your shame? Did you find freedom, forgiveness, and family?

These are the same needs people around the world struggle with. Pray through your own testimony when praying for missionaries. Pray the Word of the Lord may “be honored just as it was with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, CSB).

3. Pray for protection

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that people are wicked and some oppose the gospel. Courageous missionaries have followed God’s call into dangerous places. We hold the rope for them by praying for their protection.

We can pray for God’s protection from oppressive enemies of the gospel. In addition, we can pray for the families and children of missionaries. These young people face the same pressures as our kids in the U.S., but these are compounded by cultural differences. In this spiritual battle, we also pray missionaries would be protected from their own temptations. The enemy loves nothing more than dragging one of God’s servants into the mire of sin.

“The enemy loves nothing more than dragging one of God’s servants into the mire of sin.” — @dshildreth Share on X

Quick tips

You might say, “Ok, but how do I do it? I don’t know how or who to pray for.” Here are a few quick tips.

1. Pray for the missionaries who are connected to your church 

If your church has direct contact with missionaries, put them at the top of your prayer list. Send them a note and ask for prayer updates or specific ways to pray for them. Let them know you want to pray through 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 and ask for clarity on what this means in their context.

2. Contact a mission agency and ask them about praying for missionaries

The International Mission Board has an entire department dedicated to helping you pray more often and effectively for their missionaries.

3. Pray for persecuted believers and unreached people groups

The book of Hebrews reminds us to pray for those in prison “as though you were in prison with them…” (Hebrews 13:3, CSB) As you pray for missionaries, do a little research about the country or people group they serve. Pray for those who suffer because of their faith.

4. Pray for yourself

Regularly ask God how you can be on mission with Him. It’s important to pray for others, but it’s equally important to remember you too have a part in the mission. My pastor frequently reminds us: “You need to put your yes on the table and let God put it on the map.”

This post was adapted from D. Scott Hildreth forthcoming book, A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions.

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.