A Prayer for New Missionaries Stepping onto the Field - Your Daily Prayer - September 20
Your Daily Prayer
Audio By Carbonatix
By Laura Bailey, Crosswalk.com
A Prayer for New Missionaries Stepping onto the Field
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, 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
“Did I tell you about the young family who leaves in a few months to be missionaries in Belgium?” my mom casually inquired. I vaguely recalled her mentioning that some friends of theirs were considering serving abroad, but that was only a few weeks ago; surely they hadn’t made the decision to pack up and go that quickly?
Noticing my apparent confusion, my mother confirmed that yes, it was the same couple along with their small children she had told me about previously. They felt the Lord calling them to the mission field, and an opportunity to go to Belgium presented itself; they decided to take it. My mother shared that the family would be holding an open house next month, as they plan to live and serve abroad indefinitely. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This family had elementary age children, a family in the area who provided support, along with a sizeable Christian community. How are they able to pack and go so easily?
As we continued our conversation, I discovered that their decision to go abroad had been well-prayed over, and they had felt the Lord leading them in this direction for many years. So, while for others it may seem like a rash choice to pack up and go, the Lord had been working on their hearts for some time. I went home that night and shared with my husband the conversation I’d had with my mother. I knew that as Christians, we should all be like this couple, willing to go wherever the Lord leads— sacrifice it all for His glory and the expansion of the Gospel. This family was truly walking by faith; they said “yes” to God and trusted that He would work out all the details. My husband and I agreed to attend the garage sale and help share the listing of their home, but more importantly, we began to pray for them that night.
In Paul’s closing remarks to the church at Thessalonica, he requests prayer as they continued to preach and share the gospel with others. One thing to note is that Paul isn’t asking for financial gifts or that any of their physical needs would be met. Instead, selflessly, he asks that the Thessalonians take time to pray for the advancement of the gospel! Paul also knew that they would face opposition, that not everyone would be open to hearing the good news. Paul acknowledged that the Word of God had the power to change lives, but he also prioritized the power of prayer in helping to expedite his ministry efforts.
So often, we hear of believers heading out to the mission field, and the first thing that usually comes to our minds is, “How can we help?” And while missionaries will certainly need financial provision, the most important thing we can do for them is pray. We pray not only for their protection, but specifically that the gospel will pierce the hearts of the hearers and they will come to know the Lord and Savior.
As the family I spoke about earlier continues to plan their departure, their church, community, family, and friends have supported, encouraged, and most importantly, prayed over them. As they step out into the mission field in faith, we step up our prayers because they are powerful and effective, and the best thing we can do for those called to the mission field.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love, for sending your son to die on the cross so that we can have eternal life. We come to you on behalf of all the missionaries worldwide who are currently serving, both near and far. We know that these individuals have sacrificed much to make Your name known. We pray that they will be as they embark on their journeys to new cities, countries, and continents.
We ask that you will protect them, that their physical needs will be met, and they will be greeted by people who are hungry for Your Word and gospel. Lord, we desire that hearts may be opened, that Your message of salvation may be accepted, and that lives may be changed. We love you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/mirsad sarajlic
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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