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10 Prayers for Missionaries

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Praying for missionaries is an important way to support the work God is doing around the world. Whether they’re in clinics, villages, or remote regions, missionaries face spiritual and physical challenges daily, and your prayers help carry them through.

If you’re not sure how to pray for missionaries, Scripture gives us the words. From the Psalms to Paul’s letters, the Bible is full of passages that we can pray that touch on strength, protection, endurance, and spiritual clarity.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Missionaries need strength for the physical, emotional, and spiritual weight they carry—prayer helps sustain them in every task.

  • From illness to unseen spiritual battles, praying for protection keeps missionaries covered where their environment leaves them vulnerable.

  • Long-term impact takes time; prayer for endurance helps missionaries remain steady when fruit isn’t immediate.

  • Cultural differences can lead to confusion and strain—praying for humility, clarity, and grace helps them build trust and peace.

  • Missionaries need wisdom and timely words; prayer opens doors for gospel conversations rooted in love, clarity, and truth.

 

1. Pray for Strength in Weariness

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Mission work can be exhausting. Long days, difficult cases, and cross-cultural stress can take a toll. Pray that God strengthens their hands and hearts in every task they take on.

 

2. Pray for Protection from Harm

“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.” — Psalm 121:7

Whether navigating unknown roads or facing illness in remote places, missionaries often work in environments that feel fragile. Ask God to protect their bodies and their relationships on the ground.

In places where resistance is strong, missionaries often face unseen battles as well. Praying for spiritual protection and discernment is vital in these moments, especially where spiritual warfare can affect both their work and well-being.

 

3. Pray for Endurance in Trials

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Burnout is one of the leading reasons missionaries leave the field. Even the most passionate workers can lose heart. Ask the Lord to refresh their purpose, restore their energy, and remind them of His presence when results seem slow.

 

4. Pray for Cultural Clarity and Grace

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” — Romans 12:18

Crossing cultures always involves challenges. From miscommunications to unexpected customs, your missionary friends may feel disoriented at times. Pray they respond with humility, patience, and wisdom.

 

5. Pray for Words That Matter

“[P]ray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…” — Colossians 4:3

Missionaries often share their faith in contexts where trust must be built slowly. Pray that their words come with clarity and kindness—and that doors open for gospel conversations rooted in respect and truth.

 

6. Pray for Joy When It’s Costly

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” — Philippians 4:4

Joy in hard places is one of the clearest signs of God’s presence. Ask that even in hardship, your missionary friends find joy in small victories, deep relationships, and moments of worship along the way.

 

7. Pray for Wisdom in the Unknown

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” — James 1:5

When medicine runs out or a decision has to be made quickly, pray that wisdom rises. Missionaries face more “gray” areas than black-and-white answers. Ask God to guide them through every uncertainty.

 

8. Pray for Their Families

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” — Numbers 6:24–25

Many missionaries are raising children while serving, or are separated from their families back home. Pray for peace over their relationships, for connection across the distance, and for joy in their homes.

 

9. Pray for Healing When They’re Sick

“He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.” — Psalm 107:20

Missionaries get sick too. Whether it’s a common cold or something more serious, pray for restoration and resilience—for bodies that heal and for spirits that are lifted.

 

10. Pray for Faith to Finish Well

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Mission work takes endurance. Pray that your missionary friends will run their race with joy and purpose, even when results are unseen. Ask the Lord to help them finish faithfully—wherever He has called them.

Many of the challenges missionaries face are quiet, unseen, and deeply personal. But every prayer matters. Every word spoken in intercession covers more ground than we realize.

If you want to be part of what God is doing through medical missions, you don’t have to commit to years of service to make a difference. There are short-term mission trip opportunities that allow you to serve within the timeframe you’re available.

 

Related Questions

 

What do you say to encourage missionaries?

Remind them their work matters, that they are not alone, and that God sees every sacrifice they make.

 

What is an inspiring quote for a missionary?

“The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose.” – C.S. Lewis

 

What did Jesus say about missionaries?

In Luke 10:2, Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” calling His followers to pray for more to be sent.

 

How do you pray for someone who is going to preach?

Ask God to give them clarity, humility, boldness, and a heart that reflects His love as they speak truth.
 

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