11 Prayers for Missionaries and Their Work (Mathew 10:5)
Share This Blog Post On:
Short on time, but big on faith? We break down complex topics into easy-to-understand chunks, making the Bible accessible to everyone. Join us for answers to your Bible questions and encouragement for your daily walk with God. Click here to grow your faith, one byte at a time!
“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.” (Mathew 10:5, KJV)
While this initial mission was focused on the lost sheep of Israel, Jesus later expanded this command in Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Missionary work is at the heart of Christ’s command to His disciples. However, missionary work is not without challenges. In this study of Matthew 10, we will explore 11 prayer points that can guide our prayers for missionaries and their work.
RELATED POSTS:
One: Capacity for the Work
Missionary work requires more than just a willing heart; it demands capacity and strength. Luke 10:2 states, “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Jesus was not looking for mere churchgoers but for laborers—those ready to work in the harvest field. The term “laborer” implies active participation, hard work, and dedication. Missionaries must be well-trained disciples who understand the spiritual harvest and take responsibility for the souls they are reaching.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, we pray that You would raise up laborers who are equipped, strong, and prepared for the work of the ministry. Strengthen them in body, mind, and spirit to endure the challenges they will face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Two: Clarity on the Scope of the Mission
Every missionary has a specific assignment. For example, Jesus instructed the disciples to go only to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6). Likewise, Paul and Barnabas were given clear directions in Acts 13:2: “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” Before embarking on mission work, it is crucial to seek God’s guidance regarding where to go and whom to minister to.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, we ask for divine direction for missionaries around the world. Show them their field of harvest and lead them to the people You have prepared to receive the gospel. Open doors of opportunity and guide their steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Three: The Right Message
Jesus commanded His disciples to preach, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7). The gospel message is powerful and life-changing. Missionaries must remain faithful to preaching the unadulterated word of God and not be swayed by cultural or societal pressures.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, anoint the lips of missionaries with the truth of Your word. May they preach boldly and clearly, bringing the light of the gospel to those in darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Four: Power and Authority
Jesus sent His disciples with not only a message but also power: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). The kingdom of God is not in words alone but in demonstration of power (1 Corinthians 4:20). Missionaries need spiritual authority to overcome the forces of darkness.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, empower missionaries with spiritual gifts to heal, deliver, and perform miracles. Let Your power accompany their ministry, confirming the word with signs following. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Five: Provision for Their Needs
Jesus told His disciples not to carry extra provisions because “the workman is worthy of his meat” (Matthew 10:9-10). Missionaries should trust God to meet their needs through divine provision and the generosity of others.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, supply every need of missionaries according to Your riches in glory. Raise up faithful supporters and provide for them in miraculous ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Six: Wisdom and Character
Jesus warned His disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Missionaries need wisdom like a serpent to navigate challenges and the character to remain blameless like a dove.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, grant wisdom and discernment to missionaries. Help them to be strategic yet innocent, standing firm in integrity and holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Seven: Preparedness for Persecution
Persecution is inevitable for those who preach the gospel. Jesus said, “Ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles” (Matthew 10:18). Missionaries must be prepared for opposition from both civic and religious authorities.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, strengthen missionaries facing persecution. Give them courage, endurance, and an unshakable faith. Let them stand firm in the face of trials. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Eight: Divine Utterance
Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them words to speak: “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you” (Matthew 10:20). Missionaries need divine utterance to communicate effectively.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, speak through missionaries. Let their words be filled with grace, wisdom, and power to touch hearts and change lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Nine: Endurance in Trials
Jesus said, “But he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Many missionaries face hardships, loneliness, and even martyrdom. They need strength to endure.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, grant endurance to missionaries who are struggling. Renew their strength and remind them of the eternal reward awaiting them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ten: Boldness to Proclaim the Gospel
Jesus said, “Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed” (Matthew 10:26). Missionaries must preach without fear, knowing that truth will prevail.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, fill missionaries with boldness. Remove all fear and hesitation, and let them declare Your word with confidence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Eleven: The Reward of Faithfulness
Jesus assured that those who support His messengers will be rewarded: “He that receiveth you receiveth me” (Matthew 10:40). Even small acts of kindness are noticed by God.
Prayer: Lord of the harvest, bless those who support missionaries. May they receive the prophet’s reward and be partakers of the harvest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In conclusion, missionary work is a divine calling, and those who answer it need the support of the body of Christ through prayer. As we pray for missionaries, we partner with them in spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. May God continue to raise and sustain laborers for His great harvest. Amen.
Continue Reading Teachings On Doctrines That Shape Ministries, Callings & Evangelism Below:
|
