mission trip prayer

8 Trusting Prayers For A Mission Trip

We have a great commission from our Lord to share the good news and to teach them to follow after God .

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

One beautiful way we can do this is through mission trips. These trips open the door to talk to people about Christ.

For many people, they will feel God pressing on their thoughts and hearts to be part of a mission trip. These trips have many unexpected, sometimes dangerous aspects of them. This is why it is good to bring all your concerns, excitements, and unknowns to the Lord in prayer.

God works in powerful ways through people who are obedient to His calling.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

We are glad that we can help you get started praying about this upcoming mission trip. We would love to be praying with you as you prepare, head out, and your returning ministry. Please comment below so we know how to be praying for.

Short Prayer For A Mission Trip

God, I thank You that You have allowed us to be part of Your plan to save and rescue people. What a privilege that is. I understand that it is you alone who will change the hearts of people so I ask that you go before this trip and soften the hearts of the individuals that will be hearing the Good News. I pray that you will keep everyone safe, but more than that I pray that you keep everyone within your will . Allow hearts to change and lives to grow for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer For Those Going On A Mission Trip

Heavenly Father, you take care of those you love. I am so thankful for that truth.

I ask today that you take care of the individuals going on this mission trip. I pray that you keep them healthy and safe . I pray this not simply for their own comfort but rather so they can complete the task you have laid out for them.

Do not let the schemes of the evil one affect this trip in any way. Protect them from all of this.

God, I pray that you would give them the boldness to speak your truth. Help them to trust you so fully that they can do nothing else but exclaim your goodness.

Father, I pray that You give them eyes to see where they need to go and what they need to do as they get to their destination. Give them guidance as they go.

I pray you to lead those who are going out. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer For Those Who Will Be Served On The Mission Trip

Father in Heaven, you make no distinctions based on race or gender. You love all your children and you desire all to be in right relationship with you. Thank you for your patience.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)

I pray that you will open the eyes of those who may be hearing the Good News for the first time. Help them see their need for repentance and their need for a savior. Grant them grace to accept Jesus as Lord.

God, I pray that they would not miss this opportunity to be in right relationship with you. Prepare the way for them to hear and respond to your truths. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer For The Missionary Partners

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for allowing us all to be part of the body and to serve in different ways.

But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. (1 Corinthians 12:18-20 ESV)

Father, I thank you for the missionary partners that are hosting this mission trip. They are part of the body of Christ that is so important to the mission. They work in this environment every day. They experience the highs and lows of sharing the Gospel.

Lord, I pray that You give them strength to continue to do the work You have called them to. I pray that they will not become disappointed or drained but that they will continue to have their eyes fixed on you.

Father, I pray that you provide for them all their needs. Never let them question where their next meal will come from or how they will survive. Instead, provide for them so they can stay focused on what you have commissioned them to do. I pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer For Financial Means To Go On A Mission Trip

Dear Heavenly Father, you are the great provider. Today I pray that you will provide the financial means so I can go on this mission trip.

God, I have a deep conviction that I need to go and you are directing me in this way. Right now I do not have the financial means to do that.

However, God, I know you will provide for me. I trust that you will use this opportunity to reveal to me again how you always make a way.

Lord, help me to have a pure heart as I ask for such a thing. Help me to clearly be seeking this not for my own adventure, goals, or even my pride, but rather all for your glory. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer To Follow God’s Will To Go On A Mission Trip

Our Father in Heaven, you alone are holy. We desire for your kingdom to come, even now as we wait for heaven. I feel your call for me to go on this mission trip but I am nervous.

God, I feel like I am ill-equipped and insufficient to do your work but yet I continue to be led by you to step out in faith. So I ask you to give me boldness .

Father, I pray that you will give me the strength to follow your will . Allow me to have no doubt and fully trust in you that I can confidently make this decision.

I also ask that you take away the comments from those who do not understand why I’m doing this. Take away any distractions or plans of the evil one to deter me from being obedient to your call. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

a prayer to follow God's will on a mission trip pin

Prayer That God Would Be Glorified Through Missions Trip

God, I pray above all things that you would be glorified. It is so easy to turn everything back to myself or what I am able to do. But God it is by you alone that I am saved and able to go on this mission trip.

God, when I’m tempted to take the credit or leave you out of the story help me to recognize it quickly, repent , and instead point it all back to you.

Father, when people are tempted to give others the credit for the work you are doing on this mission trip, help us boldly and lovingly turn them back to you. We are just the hands and feet to your mission and we want all the glory to be yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer To Pursue Missions After A Mission Trip

Dear Heavenly Father, now that I have been on this mission trip I have begun to wonder if I should pursue mission work. I do not want to pursue this if it is not from you, please will you make your will clear.

Will you please open my eyes to what you are doing? Allow me to see how I can be obedient and then give me the boldness to step out and trust you in this. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thoughts

Mission trips can be a life-changing experience. Not because it’s in a new location or with people you don’t get to always be around. No the thing that changes life is Christ.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3 ESV)

This is the Gospel that will be shared on Mission trips. It is our sin that separates us from God. But Christ died for those sins and is now alive!

The writer of this text, the Apostle Paul, knew this was of first importance because this is the news that will change lives!

We are so excited that you are praying for a mission trip and would like to pray with you. Will you comment below so we can join with you?

About The Author

Ann McNeals

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Table of Contents Show

Prayers for the mission trip team, psalm 121:7-8, proverbs 3:5-6, 1 corinthians 1:10, psalm 139:9-10, 2 timothy 3:17, romans 15:13, psalm 90:17, philippians 4:13, psalm 67:1-2, ezekiel 36:26, romans 12:12, philippians 4:19, 1 corinthians 14:2, psalm 34:18, 1 corinthians 9:22, colossians 3:14, isaiah 55:11, colossians 3:17, 1 corinthians 14:26.

Embarking on a mission trip is a life-changing experience. It’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world and spread love and hope to those in need. As you prepare for your mission trip, one essential aspect that should not be overlooked is prayer.

In this comprehensive guide, we will go deep into the significance of prayers for mission trip teams and provide you with valuable insights, and tips, to ensure your mission journey is spiritually fulfilling.

Before you even start packing, take time to gather your team and pray together. Seek strength, guidance, and unity in your prayers. It’s a time for everyone to align their hearts and minds with the mission’s purpose and commit to making a difference.

1. Blessing for a Safe Journey

Dear Heavenly Father, as we embark on this mission trip, we humbly ask for Your blessings and guidance. Protect us during our travels, shield us from harm, and grant us safe passage to our destination.

“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Lord, as we journey, watch over us and ensure a secure and prosperous trip. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

2. Guidance for Our Mission Trip

Dear God, lead us with Your wisdom and discernment as we set out to serve others. Illuminate our path, show us the way, and help us make a meaningful impact on the communities we visit.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Guide us, Lord, and grant us the strength to fulfill our mission with purpose and compassion. Amen.

3. Unity and Strength in Our Team

Heavenly Father, we pray for unity and strength within our mission team. Help us work harmoniously, support one another, and rely on Your love and grace as we face challenges together.

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” May our team be bound by a common purpose and a shared commitment to serve. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

4. Prayers for Traveling Mercies

Heavenly Father, we seek Your traveling mercies as we embark on this journey. Protect us on the roads, in the air, and wherever our mission may take us.

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Lord, be with us in our travels, and ensure that we reach our destination safely. We place our trust in Your care. Amen.

5. Preparation for Our Mission Work

Dear God, prepare our hearts and minds for the work that lies ahead. Equip us with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to make a positive impact on those we are called to serve.

“So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Lord, may we be thoroughly equipped for the mission work You have called us to. Guide us as we prepare and empower us to be effective servants. Amen.

6. Granting Wisdom and Discernment

Heavenly Father, grant us wisdom and discernment as we navigate the challenges and decisions we’ll face during our mission trip. Help us make choices aligned with Your will.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” We humbly ask for Your wisdom, Lord, knowing that it will light our path and guide our actions. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

7. Protection from Harm and Illness

Dear God, we pray for Your protection from harm and illness during our mission trip. Keep us healthy and shield us from any danger or sickness that may threaten our well-being.

“The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.” Lord, protect us from harm and keep us in good health so we may continue to serve those in need. We place our trust in Your care. Amen.

8. Encouragement and Hope

Heavenly Father, grant us encouragement and hope as we face the challenges of our mission. May Your presence inspire us to bring light and hope to those we encounter.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Lord, fill us with hope and joy, so we can be a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

9. Divine Favor in Our Outreach

Dear God, we seek Your divine favor as we reach out to those in need. May Your favor open doors, soften hearts, and bring forth positive change in the lives of those we serve.

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” Lord, may Your favor rest upon our mission, and may it be a source of blessing and transformation for others. We pray in Your holy name. Amen.

10. Empowering the Missionaries

Heavenly Father, empower us with Your strength, courage, and compassion as we serve as missionaries. Fill us with Your Spirit, so we may be vessels of Your love and grace.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Lord, grant us the strength to carry out our mission work and be a light in the world. We place our trust in Your empowering presence. Amen.

11. Blessing the Communities We Serve

Dear God, bless the communities we are called to serve. May Your love and grace touch the lives of those we encounter, bringing hope, healing, and transformation.

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” Lord, use us as instruments of Your blessings, and may Your ways be known among the nations through our service. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

12. Prayer for Open Hearts and Minds

Heavenly Father, we pray that the hearts and minds of those we meet may be open to receiving Your message and love. Soften their hearts and make them receptive to Your grace.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Lord, work in the hearts of those we serve, that they may experience Your transformative love. We pray for open hearts and minds. Amen.

13. Health and Wellness for the Team

Dear God, we pray for the health and wellness of our mission team. Protect us from illness and grant us the strength needed to carry out our work effectively.

“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.” Lord, may our physical well-being align with the wellness of our souls as we serve others. We place our trust in Your care. Amen.

14. Patience and Perseverance

Heavenly Father, grant us patience and perseverance as we face the challenges of our mission. Help us remain steadfast in our commitment to make a difference.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Lord, may we find joy in hope, patience in adversity, and faithfulness in prayer as we persevere in our mission. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

15. God’s Provision for Every Need

Dear God, we trust in Your provision for every need during our mission trip. You are our provider, and we rely on Your abundance to meet all our requirements.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Lord, we place our needs before You, confident that You will supply them according to Your riches. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Amen.

16. Overcoming Language Barriers

Heavenly Father, help us overcome language barriers as we communicate with those we serve. May Your love and message be understood and shared despite differences in language.

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.” Lord, empower us to communicate Your love and truth even in the face of language challenges. We seek Your guidance and grace. Amen.

17. Healing and Comfort for the Afflicted

Dear God, we pray for healing and comfort for those we meet who are afflicted by pain, suffering, or loss. May Your presence bring them solace and restoration.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Lord, draw near to those who are brokenhearted and bring healing and comfort to their lives through our ministry. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

18. Financial Support and Resources

Heavenly Father, we seek Your guidance in obtaining the financial support and resources needed for our mission work. Open doors and provide for our needs as we serve others.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Lord, we trust in Your provision to meet our financial needs and provide the necessary resources for our mission. We place our faith in Your abundant provision. Amen.

19. Cultural Sensitivity and Respect

Dear God, grant us the wisdom and empathy to approach different cultures with sensitivity and respect. May we honor the traditions and customs of those we serve.

“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” Lord, help us adapt and relate to the cultures we encounter, that we may effectively share Your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

20. Strengthening Relationships

Heavenly Father, we pray for the strengthening of relationships within our mission team and with those we serve. May our connections be rooted in love and understanding.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Lord, may love bind us together and create unity within our team and with the people we meet on our mission. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

21. Success in Our Mission Projects

Dear God, grant us success in our mission projects. May our efforts yield positive and lasting results, and may Your name be glorified through our work.

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Lord, may our actions and words accomplish the purposes You have set for us, bringing success to our mission projects. We pray for Your guidance and blessing. Amen.

22. Peace in the Midst of Challenges

Heavenly Father, grant us Your peace in the midst of challenges and uncertainties. May we find solace in Your presence and navigate difficulties with faith and resilience.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Lord, we take heart in Your promise of peace, even in the face of challenges. Grant us strength and courage to overcome. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

23. Gratitude for the Opportunity

Dear God, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve as missionaries. Thank You for entrusting us with this important work and allowing us to make a difference in the lives of others.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Lord, as we serve, may all we do be done in Your name, and may we continually express our gratitude for this privilege. Amen.

24. Effective Communication and Connection

Heavenly Father, grant us the ability to communicate effectively and form meaningful connections with the people we encounter on our mission. May our words and actions convey Your love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Red5FhQfQXM&pp=ygUhUHJheWVycyBGb3IgVGhlIE1pc3Npb24gVHJpcCBUZWFt

“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”

Prayers for mission trip teams are a powerful source of strength, unity, and guidance. They prepare the heart, mind, and soul for a journey of compassion and service. As you embark on your mission trip, remember that it’s not just about the physical preparations but the spiritual ones as well. Through prayer, you can find the resilience to overcome challenges and the grace to bring hope to others.

Incorporate these insights, and tips, into your mission preparations, and you’ll be well on your way to making a meaningful impact in the world. May your mission trip be filled with blessings and the fulfillment of your noble purpose.

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8 Prayers You Can Pray for Your Mission Teams

Insights | Church Life & Ministry | Jun 3, 2015

There is no doubt prayer is the primary ingredient for a successful mission trip. Here are some prayers to pray for your mission teams.

By Chris Hefner

If your church is like ours, then you have mission trips planned for this summer. We have teams going to West Virginia, Vermont, Honduras, and Kenya.

As a missions pastor, I’ve witnessed the power of God on numerous mission trips. There can be no doubt that prayer is the primary ingredient for spiritually successful mission trips.

Here are some prayers I’ve learned to pray for our mission teams.

1. Pray that the mission team will not let the platform take the place of the mission.

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissioned us to make disciples. That’s our mission. Oftentimes, compassion ministry, construction, or other need-based ministries are the “platforms” that give opportunity for mission trips. But success in meeting these needs is not our “mission.”

Our mission is disciple-making (evangelism, teaching, baptizing) connected to a local church. It is easy to let the need (platform) become the focus.

Pray that your mission teams will not forget the “mission” in lieu of meeting the need.

2. Pray for the spiritual preparation and development of the mission team.

There’s a reason Paul’s prayer for spiritual boldness in proclaiming the gospel (Ephesians 6:19) followed his treatment of Christian armor and spiritual warfare.

Mission trips are not for the spiritually weak—they require recognition of the spiritual war we are facing.

Pray that your teams will be spiritually prepared for the work and war they are sure to face.

3. Pray for the flexibility of the mission team.

Sometimes our mission plans require revision and flexibility. Acts 16:6-10 records Paul’s prevention by the Holy Spirit of going into Asia and the Macedonian call.

Mission teams must learn to trust God’s plan, not their own and be spiritually discerning.

Pray that your teams will be flexible in their planning and discern what God wants to accomplish on the mission trip.

4. Pray for the financial support of the mission team.

When Jesus sent out his witnesses, he told them to trust the provision offered in the villages for their wages and sustenance (Matthew 10:9-10; Luke 10:4-8).

International mission trips cost money. And I believe in a God who owns everything.

Pray that God would meet the financial obligations of each team member and mission trip.

5. Pray for the health, safety, and travel of the mission team.

Traveling to mission destinations and encountering new bacteria (internationally) can drastically affect the health and strength of mission team participants.

Getting sick is just a normal part of international travel. However there is precedent for praying for the health and safety of mission teams in in travel.

Acts 27 records the storm at sea and shipwreck of Paul and his captors. Yet Paul prayed, and God protected all on the ship (Acts 27:24).

Pray that your teams will experience safe travel and health protection while on the mission trip.

6. Pray for the spiritual wisdom and loving service of the mission team.

One of Paul’s prayers for the Ephesian church was that they would grow in spiritual wisdom and depth of love (Ephesians 3:14-20).

Mission team members need an abundance of wisdom and love, and God desires to provide it.

Pray that your team members will be abundantly wise and discerning as well as filled with love for those whom they will serve and share with.

7. Pray for the Spirit to open blinded eyes and that unbelievers would see Christ in all of his glory.

Satan blinds the eyes of unbelievers to the truth of the gospel and the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4-6).

It is the Holy Spirit’s role to convict and bring to light the truth and power of the gospel (John 16:8-11).

Pray that the Holy Spirit would go ahead of your mission teams and prepare the hearts of the lost to respond to Christ and that the Spirit would draw unbelievers to Christ through the preaching of the gospel.

8. Pray for the spiritual development, strength, and growth of the partner churches and missions that your teams will work with.

Paul encouraged, commended, challenged, and prayed for the churches, elders and leaders of the Ephesian church before he finally parted ways with them. (Acts 20:17-38).

Mission teams are only a part of God’s ongoing work in the world. Churches, organizations, pastors, and believers across the globe will continue God’s work far longer than a mission team serves on a mission trip.

Pray for the partner churches, pastors, and organizations to have strength, growth, and success in fulfilling God’s disciple-making mission in their context.

Chris Hefner

@chrishefner

Chris is senior pastor at Wilkesboro Baptist Church in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He’s also professor of Western Civilization and Apologetics at Fruitland Baptist Bible College.

Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global

Andy Johnson

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10 Prayers for Missions or Mission Trips

W e always pray before we take a trip. We ask God to protect us in our journey and to bless our time away from home. It is also a good thing to pray for others as they leave for a mission trip , whether it be short-term or a longer commitment. Often times we have been blessed to have the deacons and pastors of the Church pray over us as we have gone onto new ministries. Perhaps you want to pray but do now know how to pray. Here are 10 prayers for missions or mission trips.

Pray for their families

Dear Lord, as this family goes to serve you, whether it be in a foreign land or even just to another area of their own country, please keep their relationship strong. I ask that you remind them that they are very special to one another, especially while they are serving you in this manner. Please also protect and provide for the family and friends that they have left behind. Help them to look forward to the next time they are able to see one another. Remind them to pray too because You love to hear from Your children. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Pray for good health

Health in the field is of the utmost concern. Missionaries work with people and people carry disease with them. Pray that they are protected from germs and disease that will make it impossible for them to serve. Here is a model right from the Bible, I have personalized it a bit:

Dear Lord I pray this prayer of health for these dear servants of Yours. Help them to always know what Your word says “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. “(Psalms 91:1-6 KJV). You are the Great Physician and I place their health in Your hands.

Pray for time of personal devotion

Every Christian needs to spend time in the word with the Lord on a daily basis, Pray this prayer for personal devotions:

Dear Lord during this time when our dear brother and sister are away from us I pray that you grant them the time that they need to spend with You. Give them just a few minutes of quiet time each day to meditate upon Your word so that their relationship with You continually grows. I pray that as they study they will hide Your word in their heart and as they need it to be recalled to their memory that Holy Spirit prompts them at just the right time. Dear Lord, I pray this prayer in the precious name of your Son and my Savior, Jesus.

Pray for physical needs

Perhaps one of the heaviest burdens that a missionary carries is the burden of financial support. This support is necessary not only for their own physical well-being, but also for the work that they do. Running a ministry takes money and every missionary needs prayer for that. Try praying the words that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write to the Church at Corinth (2 Cor 9:5-7):

Dear Lord I pray that I may be able to financially support these people that You have sent to do Your work. I pray that I can do it with a cheerful heart and that I may be able to be generous. Lord I also pray that you touch other’s hearts to give to the support of these missionaries. I pray that every man may give as he purposed in his heart to give. God we know all things come from You and trust that as we give we can also trust that You will continually provide for us as well. Lord we love You and pray in the name of Jesus

Pray that good work relationships form in the mission

New work relationships should always be a matter of prayer. Pray that folks remember to edify one another. Philippians has a great prayer for this, let’s personalize it:

Dear Heavenly Father I pray that you fulfil the joy of these dear brothers and sisters, help them to be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in them, which was also in Christ Jesus: (based on Philippians 2:2-5). I pray in Jesus name, Amen

Pray for clarity and boldness of speech

Missionaries are often presented with opportunity to share a clear gospel message with the people in the field. Just as Paul asked the Churches to pray for him in this regard, remember to pray for the missionaries, that they might have clear words and boldness of speech. Again, the Bible has a great guideline for such a prayer in Colossians.

Dear God, I pray for these people whom you have sent that they will have open doors and that when they open their mouth that the Holy Spirit will speak the words with great clarity. I pray that they can explain in no uncertain terms that Jesus is the Savior of the world and that He willing gave His life to pay their sin debt. I pray that they will understand that Jesus also proved victory over death by rising from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures. I pray that this truth will convert souls and change lives. I pray in the name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Pray that loneliness is kept at bay

Being away from home and sometimes in a very remote place often brings loneliness with it. Pray that your missionaries do not despair as they miss their loved ones. Send some prayers up to our Heavenly Father that He will help these brothers know that they are not alone, the Lord is with them.

Dear Precious God of our fathers, comfort our dear friends as they are homesick. Remind them that they are in Your loving care and that You are always with them even when they are not able to spend time with the loved ones that they left behind. Help them to remember the words of Your Son when he said “ Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:20-22)

Pray that they can relax at times

The field can be a very busy place. Some missionaries work from sun up until sun down. They often go on little or no sleep. Don’t forget to ask the Lord to grant them some R & R as needed.

Dear Lord Your servants are hard workers and I ask that You prompt them to take time to rest and relax because their body needs it. Lord I pray that they will follow Your example for You worked 6 days and rested on the 7 th . Help them to know that relaxing is a good thing. Help us to remember that it is a natural and needed thing for our missionaries to take a break. I pray through Jesus, Amen.

Pray that they are protected from the wiles of the Devil

Missionaries are some of the best targets for Satan. He uses everything that he can to take them down and stop them from proclaiming the precious gospel of Jesus. Pray that your missionaries remember to put on the full armour of God to protect them from spiritual warfare. Pray from Ephesians 6:10-17 (personalized)

Lord I pray that my brethren are strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. I pray that they put on the whole armour of God, that they may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. I also pray that they take on the whole armour of God, that they may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having their loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith they shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This is my prayer for these precious servants, in Jesus name, Amen

Pray that God will use you

We must not forget to pray that God will use us in whatever way He wills. Our prayer should be that we are open to God’s call because we may be the next one He sends . We must not dwell on whether or not we are able to do what God calls us to do, because God does not always call the equipped, but He always equips the called. God will make a way and raise you up on eagles wings when necessary. We can pray the humble prayer of His servant, Mary of Nazareth, she submitted to God’s will and He used her to deliver her Deliverer.

My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1:46-55 KJV)

From the Heart of a Missionary Wife

Our family has been in ministry for 12 years but prayers for missionaries never meant so much as they do to me today as we serve in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. I understand first-hand what it is like to be far from home and to walk every day by faith, knowing that Jehovah Jireh will provide as He always does. Won’t you take some time right now to raise up some missionaries in prayer? They will be blessed by you and you will be blessed to know that God loves to hear the intercessory prayers of His children. Don’t forget to listen to the song in the upper right of this page, it is a personal favorite of mine.

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Tagged as: Missionaries , Missions , Prayers for Mission Trips

Article by Pamela Rose Williams

Pamela Rose Williams is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband, Dr. Michael L. Williams, have served in Christian ministry since 2001. She has a Master of Ministry in Biblical Counseling degree and a Bachelor’s in Christian Education and spends most of her time as a professional editor and writer, working with many Christian authors and artists. Additionally, she works with her husband using their extensive experience in information technology to provide Christ-centered teaching and resources to people all over the world. To learn more about Pamela visit her About page.

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15 Guiding Prayers for Mission and Outreach Success

Welcome to a transformative journey of faith and purpose, where the power of prayer intertwines with the pursuit of mission and outreach success. In this captivating collection of prayers, we embark on a voyage that ignites our hearts and empowers our actions.

Whether you are a passionate missionary, a dedicated volunteer, or simply seeking to make a difference in the world, these prayers hold the key to unlocking divine guidance, strength, and supernatural favor.

Join us as we explore the profound connection between prayer and the fulfillment of our mission and outreach endeavors, propelling us toward impactful change. Get ready to witness the incredible possibilities that await through the prayers for mission and outreach success.

Prayers for Mission and Outreach Success

#1. prayer for divine guidance in mission and outreach.

Lord , as we embark on this mission and outreach endeavor, we seek Your divine guidance. Lead us in the paths of righteousness and illuminate our way. Show us where to go and whom to serve. Give us wisdom to discern Your will and to make a meaningful impact.

Help us to navigate cultural differences and language barriers, allowing Your message of love and hope to transcend all boundaries. Equip us with compassion, understanding, and humility as we reach out to others. May Your guidance be our compass and Your presence our strength. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

#2. Prayer for Strength and Endurance in Mission and Outreach

Lord , grant us strength and endurance as we serve in this mission and outreach. We acknowledge that the task before us is not easy, and we may face challenges and obstacles along the way. But we rely on Your unfailing power to sustain us.

Renew our physical, mental, and spiritual stamina. Help us to press on when we feel weary and discouraged. Fill us with Your joy and remind us of the eternal significance of our work. May Your strength be made perfect in our weakness. In Your mighty name, we pray. Amen.

#3. Prayer for Unity and Cooperation in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we come before You as a diverse group of individuals united in purpose. As we engage in mission and outreach, bind us together in harmony and cooperation. Help us to set aside personal agendas and preferences, focusing on Your kingdom work.

Give us hearts of humility and patience to listen and understand one another. Enable us to appreciate our unique gifts and contributions, valuing the diversity You have created. May our unity be a powerful testimony of Your love and draw others to Your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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#4. Prayer for Boldness and Courage in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we pray for a spirit of boldness and courage as we step out in faith for mission and outreach. Fill us with holy confidence to share Your truth without fear or hesitation. Strengthen us in the face of opposition or rejection. Remove any timidity or self-doubt that may hinder our witness.

Embolden our words and actions with Your love and power. Grant us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. May we be vessels of Your light, shining brightly in a world that desperately needs Your hope. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

#5. Prayer for Compassion and Empathy in Mission and Outreach

Lord , instill in us a heart of compassion and empathy as we engage in mission and outreach. Help us to see others through Your eyes, recognizing their unique stories, struggles, and needs. May Your love overflow in us, compelling us to act with kindness and understanding.

Teach us to listen attentively, to offer a helping hand, and to provide comfort and support to those who are hurting. May Your compassion flow through us, touching lives and bringing healing and restoration. In Your tender mercy, we pray. Amen.

#6. Prayer for Provision and Resources in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we humbly ask for Your provision and resources as we engage in mission and outreach. You are the owner of all things, and we rely on Your abundant grace to meet our needs. Open doors of opportunity and connect us with individuals, organizations, and finances necessary for the fulfillment of Your mission.

Multiply our resources and use them wisely for Your glory. Provide the tools, materials, and support we require to carry out Your work effectively. We trust in Your faithful provision, knowing that You are our Provider and Sustainer. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

#7. Prayer for Discernment and Wisdom in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we seek Your discernment and wisdom as we navigate the complexities of mission and outreach. Grant us spiritual insight to recognize Your leading and to discern the true needs of those we serve. Help us to make wise decisions that align with Your purpose and honor Your name.

Give us clarity of thought and guide our steps according to Your divine plan. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may have divine discernment in all situations. May Your wisdom be our guidepost as we pursue Your mission. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

#8. Prayer for Protection and Safety in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we come before You, asking for Your divine protection and safety as we engage in mission and outreach. You are our refuge and fortress, and we trust in Your unfailing care. Shield us from physical harm, dangers, and threats that may arise. Guard our hearts and minds against spiritual attacks. Surround us with Your angelic presence, forming a hedge of protection around us.

Strengthen us with Your mighty hand, enabling us to withstand any challenges or adversities we may encounter. We place our lives and well-being in Your hands, knowing that You are our protector. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

#9. Prayer for Humility and Servanthood in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we humbly ask for hearts of humility and servanthood as we engage in mission and outreach. Teach us to follow the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Strip away any pride, selfishness, or ambition that may hinder our willingness to serve others.

Help us to embrace a posture of humility, putting the needs of others before our own. Fill us with Your love, compassion, and selflessness, that we may genuinely serve and make a difference in the lives of those we encounter. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

#10. Prayer for Favor and Open Doors in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we seek Your favor and open doors as we step out in faith for mission and outreach. Your Word assures us that You can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or imagine. We ask for Your divine favor to rest upon us, opening opportunities, and connecting us with influential people who can further Your kingdom work.

Grant us divine appointments and divine connections that align with Your purposes. May Your favor go before us, making a way where there seems to be no way. In faith, we trust in Your unfailing favor. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

#11. Prayer for Cultural Sensitivity and Respect in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we pray for cultural sensitivity and respect as we engage in mission and outreach. Help us to approach different cultures with humility and a willingness to learn. Teach us to respect traditions, customs, and beliefs different from our own.

Guide our words and actions, that we may not inadvertently cause offense or harm. Grant us discernment to adapt our methods to effectively communicate Your love across cultural boundaries. May Your Spirit guide us to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and build bridges of unity. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

#12. Prayer for Patience and Perseverance in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we ask for patience and perseverance as we engage in mission and outreach. We acknowledge that the impact we seek may take time and that we may encounter setbacks along the way. Grant us patience to endure, even when results seem slow in coming.

Strengthen our resolve and help us to persevere in the face of obstacles and challenges. Remind us of the eternal significance of our work and encourage us to press on, knowing that Your faithfulness never wavers. In Your unwavering presence, we find the strength to keep going. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

#13. Prayer for Emotional and Spiritual Healing in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we lift up those we encounter in mission and outreach who are in need of emotional and spiritual healing. We pray for those burdened by pain, trauma, or brokenness. Pour out Your healing balm upon them, soothing their wounds and bringing restoration.

Heal the deep scars of the past and bring freedom from bondage. Reveal Your love and grace to them, filling their hearts with hope and joy. Use us as instruments of Your healing, offering comfort, compassion, and support. May Your divine healing power touch their lives and bring about wholeness. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

#14. Prayer for Effective Communication in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we seek Your help for effective communication in mission and outreach. Enable us to convey Your message clearly, authentically, and powerfully. Remove any barriers of language, culture, or misunderstanding that may hinder the transmission of Your truth.

Grant us wisdom to use appropriate means of communication, embracing technology and various media platforms. Anoint our words and actions, that they may penetrate hearts and minds, drawing others to You. May Your Spirit guide us in every conversation, presentation, and interaction, that Your message of love and salvation may resonate deeply. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

#15. Prayer for Transformation and Life Change in Mission and Outreach

Lord , we pray for transformation and life change to take place through our mission and outreach efforts. We recognize that true impact comes from the work of Your Spirit in the hearts of individuals. May those we serve experience a profound encounter with Your love, grace, and truth. Break chains of bondage, heal wounds, and set captives free. Empower them to embrace a new life in You, walking in the fullness of Your purpose and calling.

May testimonies abound of lives transformed, families restored, communities renewed, and nations changed. To You be all the glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

In the journey of mission and outreach, prayers serve as powerful tools that connect us to the heart of God and unlock divine guidance, strength, and favor.

Through these prayers for mission and outreach success, we have explored the vital aspects of seeking divine guidance, relying on God’s strength, fostering unity, and embracing compassion. We have sought provision, wisdom, protection, and transformation as we step out in faith.

As we continue on this path, let us hold fast to the assurance that our prayers have the ability to impact lives, bridge cultures, and bring about lasting change. With prayers as our foundation, we can navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and make a meaningful impact in our mission and outreach endeavors.

May these prayers fuel our spirits, align our actions with God’s will, and ultimately lead us to experience the success and fulfillment of our mission and outreach goals.

8 Holy Prayers for a Missionary Trip

Missionary work is an important aspect of the Christian faith and these prayers for a missionary trip can be used to ask for one, ask for protection during one, or protect those embarking on one.

It allows us to spread the gospel and share the love of Christ with people all over the world. If you’re planning on going on a missionary trip, or if you know someone who is, here are some prayers that you can pray for them.

If you have felt called to serve, you may have thought about going on a missionary trip (or you might consider offering a prayer for vocations to God). You probably know at least one person who has gone on one before. It can be wonderful to go out and serve beyond your own community, city, state, or even country.

Let us pray.

Prayer for Anyone Going on a Missionary Trip

Dear Lord, first I thank you for this opportunity to better serve you on this mission. I ask that you cover the financial costs of this trip so that I may go.

I ask that you grant me a submissive heart that I may do what is asked of me on this trip. Let me also keep in mind that I go to serve Christ, not myself, in helping others. Please give me a servant’s heart in understanding what it is I am to do on this trip.

Fill me with the Holy Spirit, so that I may find purpose and guidance along the way. Please allow me to be aware of the purpose of this mission. All I ask is to remain safe and healthy while I serve you in this manner. Please allow those I am going to serve to receive me in your name.

I ask this through Jesus Christ.

Prayer for the People Who are Receiving the Missionaries

Oh Lord, we pray that the community that is receiving these missionaries does so with open arms. Let them be free of false religions and be willing to accept the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Dear Lord, let any barriers that would stop your will from being done be broken down by your will.

God will open their eyes and their hearts to the light of the Lord and guide them to Your glory. God will make of them a community of disciples who will embrace His glory. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Prayer for Safe Travel for the Mission

Dear Lord, we pray that you watch over anyone traveling to do your work. Keep them safe from any harm while on the road to do Your will. We pray that all necessary forms of travel are safe and completed without incident. We pray that any obstacles while traveling will be taken care of in your grace.

In your name, we pray that any costs, unforeseen or not, are able to be covered so that your work can be done. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Prayer for the Family of the Person Going

Dear Lord, please watch and protect this family that goes out to serve you. It matters not if they stay close to home, or that they go out to a different country, allow them to serve you safely and strongly. I ask that you keep their relationship strong, not just with each other, but with the people, they are serving.

Also please, O Lord, protect and watch over the people they leave behind while they go to do your work. The family and friends that stay at home, make sure they are looked after and filled with strength. Help the time go by quickly so that they may be reunited again in your love. Help them to pray for their health and bounty. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Prayer for Those Serving to Remember to Relax

Oh Lord, please pray for these people who have been called to serve you. They will work hard as your servants. I ask, Lord, that you also remind those that are serving you that there also needs to be time for them to unwind and relax. Remind them,

Lord Jesus, that the mind and body need to take the time to rest as well as the soul. You rested on the seventh day. Please help those that are serving you to know when it is time for them to take a day of rest. Dear Lord, grant to your servants the time to take a day of rest and to remember that it will do them good to be ready for the next day they are called to serve you.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Prayer for the Physical Health of Those Going

Dear Lord, we pray that the health of those going to do your work will remain strong. We pray that their hearts stay as strong as their bodies. Lord, please let those who are doing your work be mindful of their physical limits. Remind them that they can only do good work when they remain in a healthy condition.

We pray that anyone who is called to serve you is able to give the most of their mind and their body. Please watch over them and continue to provide for them. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Prayer for Anyone Going on a Missionary Trip

Prayer for Personal Devotion

Oh dear Lord, please watch over me during this time of service. I will be faced with the hardship of being away from my friends and family. Please give me the strength to take just a few minutes out of my day to focus on what is important and to focus on the work that I am doing. Oh Lord, please allow my relationship with you to grow while I am here serving you.

Allow what I am doing to stay in my memory so that I may better serve you when my service here is done. I ask this in Jesus’ name.

Prayer for the Relationships of the Co-Workers

Dear Lord, we know relationships will be tested. To be able to do your work properly, everyone needs to be a link in the fence. Let no one bring the conflict to this group going to do your will. We pray that every member of the mission remembers to remain kind, humble, and unselfish.

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How to Pray for Your Next Mission Trip

Amy Green Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
Updated Sep 13, 2018

When it comes to planning a mission trip, there are so many things to do that it can seem overwhelming… and time spent in prayer can be pushed lower down the priority list, behind passport applications, immunization records, and team-building activities. While all of those are important, asking for God’s help and blessing is foundational, especially for times of ministry or evangelism.

Whether you’re a trip leader, a team member, or a committed supporter, these ten passages of Scripture will help guide your prayers either leading up to or during a mission trip. Let God use them to call to mind specific people and situations, and look forward to seeing how he chooses to use your team.

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1. Pray for Grace When Something Goes Wrong.

—Because something will always go wrong, no matter how organized your schedule or how comprehensive your packing list. Only God can help you respond to a frustration by seeing it as an opportunity to trust him instead of an inconvenience. Growing up, my pastor took this a step further and prayed over mission trip teams that something would go wrong, not just for the ability to deal with it in a Christ-like way. His reasoning? Being faced with an unexpected challenge forces us to rely on God’s strength, and those are the moments when we are most able to look back and say, “That wasn’t us. That was all Jesus .”

However you choose to pray, keep in mind this passage from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” That’s the kind of strength you want your team to have.

Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

2. Pray for the Gathered Church to Encourage Each Other.

The congregation where you meet on Sundays is part of the global Church, but when believers from different backgrounds and cultures meet together, we get a fuller picture of what it means to be the body of Christ—to love and serve in different ways and reflect the various aspects of God’s character. Pray that your brothers and sisters where you are going receive renewed joy from your visit, especially if they are experiencing a time of discouragement, and pray that you will return with a report of what God is doing in another part of his family.

When thinking of the chances the team will have to connect with fellow believers, pray for an experience like the one described in Col. 3:14-15: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Our need for each other gives us so much to be thankful for!

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3. Pray for Health, Safety, and Financial Provision.

These seem to be “givens,” requests that seem a bit routine, even cliché. But Jesus himself dedicated part of his example of prayer to say, “Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) God knows what your team needs—whether it’s money, a last-minute visa, quick recovery from a bout of flu, or safe travel on dark and narrow roads—and he loves it when we take the time to ask in faith for even the simplest of things.

Make a list of the practical concerns and updates for the team, and take time each day to pray through it. Don’t forget to visit that list after the trip is over to thank God for the ways he answered!

4. Pray for the Hearts of Those Who Will Hear the Gospel to Come to Faith.

This story in Acts 18:9-10 is a perfect one to pray over a ministry team, “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Even though Paul hadn’t preached the gospel yet, God knew there were people in the city who would respond to his teaching and believe. That, combined with the knowledge that God was with him, was the perfect reason not to fear—and one that’s still true for us today.

Pray in advance for those who will respond to the good news about Jesus , whether they’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth time. Don’t forget that even some of the team members, particularly on trips that include kids or teens, may not have a real faith in Jesus. Pray for them, too.

5. Pray for the Mind of Jesus to Be Among Your Team Members.

A concern I often hear about short-term mission teams is that it’s easy to go in with the wrong mindset. Sometimes, that means a bit too much self-confidence or independence, or a mistaken idea that teams should bring the Gospel plus our way of doing things—whether that’s how to conduct a kids’ program or how to build a home. Pray that God would replace this attitude with a spirit of service and Christ-like love, particularly during stressful parts of the trip.

The best description of this is in Philippians 2:2-4, “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” That seems like a high standard, but we have the best possible example to follow in servant-like humility: Jesus .

6. Pray for the Holy Spirit to Guide Your Words and Actions.

If we really believe that God is in control of everything, that includes even the smallest interactions, conversations, and tasks. (Not just on missions trips—in our everyday lives too!) Pray that team members would listen to the Holy Spirit ’s prompting on a moment-by-moment basis, and that God would give the right words to speak, whether they’re words of encouragement or an explanation of salvation .

For the hard days in particular, join with Paul in Galatians 6:9-10: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

7. Pray for the Local Church or Ministry that the Group Will Be Partnering With.

A team might be short-term, but the believers in the area are not. Pastors , missionaries, and their families in particular can easily become weary with the many demands on their time and hearts. Lift them up and ask God to grant them times of refreshment and a renewed sense of purpose. Pray for members of the local congregation, that they would serve faithfully and continue to take advantage of the opportunities put before them.

Paul’s letters in the New Testament are full of prayers for the congregations that he had once visited for a short period of time. One prayer that you can use is in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

8. Pray for Anyone Who Feels Led to Consider Full-Time Missions or Ministry.

Often, God will use trips like this to challenge individuals to step outside of their comfort zone. For some, that will mean increasing their giving or being more intentional about praying for the lost. For others, it will mean surrendering their carefully-laid plans to whatever God might have for them, even if it means a move, a job change, or training for formal ministry. Pray particularly for these people, that they would be obedient to the Holy Spirit ’s leading, that they would have the support of those around them, and that they would find increased clarity and wisdom when considering next steps.

Romans 10:14-15 is a passage that many missionaries have looked to when praying about their future: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

9. Pray for Faith that God Will Continue to Grow Seeds that Were Planted.

Sometimes, the expectation of a mission trip is to return with dozens of dramatic stories of conversions or miracles. While God certainly can move in that way, sometimes a trip will simply involve partnering with a local body of believers in everyday, sometimes thankless ministry. It can be discouraging if you had half-finished or disappointing conversations or were forced to leave new relationships that had begun to form without seeing all the results of your effort.

Instead of dwelling on that, remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 when he said that he and his fellow preacher were “only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” Maybe you’re at one of the earlier stages in the process, but when God asks for workers to bring in his harvest, he doesn’t want us to be jealous of someone else’s role. He simply calls us to be faithful to the task set before us… and to trust him with the rest.

10. Pray for the Transition Back Home and a Continued Desire to Pray for Those Ministered To.

When looking back on experiences where God was powerfully at work, remember what Jesus said to the man who was healed of demon possession in Mark 5, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” While God calls some to leave their home to spread the Gospel, he calls all of us to give him glory around the people closest to us: our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. That’s one reason why the return from a mission trip is so important—but it can be hard too.

Pray for the ability to process any difficult emotions (or “reverse culture shock”) that can come when readjusting to cultural differences or being around people who don’t share their experience or newfound excitement. Even more importantly, pray that team members will be able to share their passion and joy in what God has done, and that their connection to the community where they served will make them even more dedicated to praying, giving, and declaring the good news about Jesus to those around them.

One More Challenge:

Read through the book of Acts prior to your trip if you’re one of the team members or during the trip if you’re one of the team’s prayer warriors. Use the stories of those Early Church missionaries to guide your prayers and remind you what it looks like to be radically devoted to the advance of the Gospel. There is nothing in the world that can stop the spread of the Good News, and God has chosen to make us a part of that. What an amazing blessing!

Amy Green lives outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota and blogs about life, culture, and theology at themondayheretic.wordpress.com .

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The Power of Prayer for Mission Trips

The opportunity to share Christ and His teaching is an exciting part of being a Christian. Whether you’re planning a mission trip or taking part in a mission trip as part of a bigger group or organization, it’s essential that each person take time to commit to prayer.

When we pray, it helps remind us of why we’re going and what we’re asking the Lord to do through us while we’re there. It also helps to soften our hearts and examine our motives so that His kingdom can be seen through our works with other people and places.

Here are some ideas to help guide you in prayers for mission trips. The following list includes prayers for the impact of the mission trip, along with trip logistics and the overall spiritual health of the mission team.

Examples of Prayers for Mission Trips

Traveling for missions can bring uncertainty to even the most seasoned Christ-followers. Whether the mission is overseas or domestic, new environments bring with them new challenges – from languages to logistics and cultures to world understanding. Devote yourself to the encouragement of any mission team with these simple but powerful prayers for mission trips:

Despite proper precautions and education, sometimes travel for mission work can bring about anxiety. Everything from experiencing a new culture and foods, to learning a new way of life can be overwhelming. Praying for the general safety and health of mission travelers can help ease nerves.

Pray for protection

Ask the Lord for protection and strength in your mission work. Trust in him for the spiritual health of your team and those you serve.

The following verses are excellent starting points for these types of prayers:

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Pray for Joy

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, but it doesn’t always come easy – especially if we encounter trials and tribulations. Mission trips are joyful in terms of impact, but mission trips can also conjure up feelings of sadness when we encounter unfortunate situations, or when we must leave a new friend to go back to our home. God calls us to be joyful, even when it’s hard to immediately see the good work happening around us. It’s important to ask Him to replenish that joy so we can spread it to others.

These inspirational verses from the bible can provide perspective for prayers of joy:

Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Pray for Spiritual Growth

Sharing your faith isn’t the only reason for embarking on a mission trip. Many people serve in anticipation of transformation through a personal encounter with the Lord. Pray the mission team allows the Holy Spirit to speak to them while serving and guide their actions. Pray that mission team members experience fruits of the Spirit as they serve one another and the community at large.

Here are some verses to help you focus your prayers for mission trips on the overall impact the experience can have on a believer’s walk with God:

1 John 4:13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Pray for Dependence on God

Before embarking on a mission trip and even before packing a single bag, take a moment to pray that your mission team will be spiritually prepared for the work they are facing, and that God will stir action among the people you come in contact with during your trip.

Pray for trust in God’s Plan and what he wants to accomplish, ask that He provides the right words to speak, and guidance as to how to interact and connect with people and lead them to the Gospel.

From spiritual preparation to fundraising, there can be a long list of obligations for any mission trip. Pray that God will meet the needs of your team and the mission you’re going to serve.

The following verses can help you pray for dependence on God, as He is the ultimate director of the mission:

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!

Pray for Opportunities to Share the Gospel

A mission trip can often turn into more than its intended purpose. Pray that the mission team members are ready to share God’s word and the impact of His love at any opportunity. This encounter can, and often is, a life-changing experience for both the giver and the receiver. Pray for God to soften hearts – that people would be open to hearing the message of salvation.

Here are a few verses to focus on as we spread the message of God’s Word:

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Pray for Grace

Despite thorough planning, anything can happen on a mission trip. In the event something unexpected happens, pray for strength and the ability to take these moments of patience, understanding, and faith as an opportunity to grow trust in the Lord. Pray for patience with one another and that each mission team member is quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).

The following versus can Inspire you when praying for grace on the mission trip:

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Whether you’re leading the trip, traveling as part of the team, or supporting from afar, spending time in prayer for mission trips is essential.

Allow the Scripture above to guide your focus and help you illuminate the needs and desires of both your team and the people and community that will be impacted. Building faith in God and trust in His word are the most powerful places you can spend your time before embarking on your journey.

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9 Powerful Prayers for Missionaries with Prayer Points

Categories Featured , Prayer , Written Prayers

In this post, we will look at some prayers for missionaries, mission work, mission team, and the mission field. We will also, cover prayer points that will help guide you as you pray for these faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jesus left us with a beautiful command in Matthew 28:19-20, to make disciples of all nations, and on this basis, many have taken to the mission field. Many people have given of themselves to be missionaries and travel around the world sharing the gospel with others.

It almost sounds glamorous and least in our modern social media drive world. But being on the mission field is not for the faint of heart. I have several friends who are missionaries or work for ministries that help missionaries. Missionaries encounter many circumstances as they reach others with the message of Jesus Christ, and they most certainly need our prayers.

In some places, missionaries face resistance or persecution. In others, they have to be courageous and need the wisdom to know what to do in tricky situations. In some instances, they face attacks from those threatened by the gospel. These are things that can make missionaries lose heart, and by lifting them in prayer, God will come through for them and touch the lives of those they are ministering to around the world.

Other times it can feel like they are working under brass heaven. This means it’s spiritually hard to reach people. They are cold toward the gospel, and there is much spiritual warfare.

An ancient missionary was St. Patrick! He went through the wringer, but so many people were brought to the Lord because of his work. You can read more about his life here: St. Patrick’s Breastplate and Life .

We can help our fellow brothers and sisters by praying for them! Below are 9 prayers you can pray for the missionaries around the world. These are short prayers, but before we dive into them I do want to share some tips.

How to Use these Missionary Prayers

It’s easy to just repeat a prayer that is written, but that’s not actually what prayer is. Prayer is communicating with the Lord. When we communicate with someone we don’t read off someone else’s words to them. We speak from our heart and mind.

This is what the Lord wants from us as well. So, my encouragement is that the prayers I have in this post would be an inspiration to you on what and how you can pray.

Here are some of my tips:

Make these missionary prayers personal. If you know names of these missionaries or ministries use them while praying. If you are praying for a whole mission team keep in mind to pray for unity. And if you know something specific that they are facing, pray for it!
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes He will bring things to your mind and heart to pray.
Use the prayer points as guide to help you know what to pray for.
These prayers and prayer points can also be used for pastors who have started churchs or ministries in a different nation or location then their home.
If you are praying for a short mission trip. I would encourage you spend a little time daily to pray for the mission trip to be fruitful and that everyone on the team would flow in unity and love.

>>Learn More About Prayer Here

Prayers for Missionaries

Here I am, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort on earth; send me even to death itself, if it be but in Thy service, and to promote Thy Kingdom. David Brainerd – Missionary

1. Prayer for Protection

PRAYER POINT – Pray for a hedge of protection for missionaries who have gone to places that are unsafe or where they are facing persecution. God knows how to protect those He has called to minister to the needs of the lost. Psalm 19:14 is a promise of protection from God. It says God will rescue and protect those who love Him and acknowledge His name.

Pray for His angels to watch over them and to hide them from the plans and schemes of the enemy.

Lord, I pray that you protect the missionaries you have sent to preach the good news of the gospel to others around the world. Watch over them day and night, and shield them from any dangers. I ask that You would send Your angels around about them and place a hedge of protection over them. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

2. Prayer for Favor

PRAYER POINT – One thing that missionaries need is the favor of God to access places that they otherwise would not on their own. Pray that God will give them the favor to travel freely, meet those in authority who can help them, and succeed in their mission trips.

Lord, you have called your righteous servants to reach the lost, and I ask that you surround them with your favor as with a shield (Psalm 5:12). Grant them access to the places you know they need to be, and open doors for them that only you can. Place them in the right place and right time so that may accomplish everything you have for them. In the name of Jesus, amen!

3. Prayer for Revival

PRAYER POINT – As Christians, we long to see revival when we minister the gospel in places where the people don’t know Jesus Christ. Revival is the power of God in action, and it assures us that God is touching the lives of others. We want for there to be salvation, healings, and miracle. Today, you can pray that missionaries will witness revival on the mission field.

Lord, I pray for a revival in the places you have sent your missionaries. Touch the lives of those they minister to in a special way. As your missionaries preach your Word, testify with miracles, signs, and wonders, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:4). Pour out your Spirit a

4. Prayer for Salvation

PRAYER POINT – The essence of going into the mission field is for missionaries to see many souls saved by believing in Jesus. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world so that those who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Pray that missionaries will see many people get saved, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, may the missionaries you send to different parts of the world see many people get saved. May your Spirit move in the hearts of those who hear your Word and let them surrounded to you. Let their lives be touched by your presence and forever changed. In Jesus’ name! Amen!

5. Prayer for Wisdom

PRAYER POINT – Some instances call for wisdom on the mission field, and one prayer we can pray for missionaries is one of wisdom. God gives us wisdom when we ask Him, and He finds no fault with our asking (James 1:5).

Lord, grant your missionaries wisdom in the work you have called them to do. May they remember to come to you first when they don’t know what to do about a situation or person in the mission field. Help them to make wise decisions that will keep them safe, and promote the gospel. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

6. Prayer for Courage

PRAYER POINT – Some situations that missionaries go through require courage to deal with and overcome. God has promised that He is with us wherever we go, and we do not need to fear what is around us (Joshua 1:9). Pray for missionaries to have courage as they navigate the environment they find themselves in as they minister.

Lord, fill your missionaries with the courage they need to handle difficult and puzzling situations. Remind them that you are always with them, and they do not need to fear. Give them the boldness they need to preach the gospel and minister to those in need. In the name of Jesus, amen.

7. Prayer for Strength

PRAYER POINT – It is normal for missionaries to get weary as they do their work in the mission field. God promises that He will give strength to the weary, and increase the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:31). Pray that God will give His missionaries the strength they need to do His work.

Lord, I pray that you will give your missionaries the strength to continue doing your work with zeal. When they get weary, renew their strength and empower them to keep going. Give them the opportunity to find rest and feel refreshed that way they can move forward. In the name of Jesus, amen.

8. Prayer for Faith

PRAYER POINT – Missionaries need to have the faith to believe for miracles in the lives of those they minister to every day. We know that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Ask God to fill His missionaries with the faith that moves mountains.

Lord, I pray that you will strengthen the faith of your missionaries so that they can witness many miracles in the lives of others. As they read and hear your Word, may their faith grow. Surround them with others that will encourage their faith and help them mature in it. In Jesus’ name amen!

9. Prayer for Patience

PRAYER POINT – It is important to be patient when you are ministering to others because not all people learn at the same rate or do things at the same pace. Abraham waited patiently and saw the Lord’s promise for a son manifest (Hebrews 6:15). When missionaries are patient in the mission field, they will see what God promised them when they started their journey.

Lord, grant your missionaries patience as they walk others through the journey of growing in their relationship with Christ. Show them that you are at work in the places you have sent them, and you will fulfill your word to them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Prayers Matter

I want to close by encouraging you. Prayer has the ability to change circumstances and situations in people’s lives. But not just on a personal level…prayer has the ability to change a nation. We see this all over the Bible!

Your prayers make a difference! And missionaries need all the prayers they can get because of face many hardships as they spread the gospel!

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Well, I hope you have enjoyed these prayers for missionaries and that they encouraged you to get with God and pray.

If you would like to leave a comment you can do so below. I would love to hear from my readers and what the Lord is doing in and through you.

Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading.

She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine. Read More…

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Charity Maxwell

Wednesday 6th of April 2022

Thank you so much for these prayer points for missionaries and mission fields. I am a Nigerian living in Ugandan and today God laid it upon my heart to start praying for missionaries and mission field nothing to hold on to then googled and stumbled on your material which was too helpful. Thank you for allowing yourself to be used by God ‘ spirit to put down these powerful prayer points. They made scene and l am adopting it for my prayers for these servants of God out there. Thank you and keep shining.

EDUARDO BELTRAN CARIÑO

Monday 1st of November 2021

HI MELISSA IM A MISSIONARY PTR OF BULACAN,PHILIPINES IM SO BLESSED OF YOUR MANY ARTICLES I READ IT GIVES A LOT OF WISDOM AND ENCOYRAGEMENT.GOD BLESS YOU MORE.MY PRAYER IS MORE PTRS WILL READ YOUR ARTICLES AND MIRE SUCCESS IN YOUR MINISTRY

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Prayers for Travel | 6 Things to Pray with Your Ministry Team

Are you praying regularly with your ministry team? As a mission trip is coming together, you have many things to prepare. You will be packing , gathering supplies, arranging your itinerary, and booking your airfare . Don’t forget the most important thing to prepare for any mission trip — your heart! Spend time praying over specific needs for your trip, both alone and with your group. If you’re looking for things to pray with your ministry team or prayers for travel, here are some suggestions to help bring focus to your prayer time.

1. Prayers for travel safety

Pray the Lord’s favor would be upon you as you travel both in the air and on the ground
For wisdom and alertness for every pilot and flight attendant serving on board
For good weather and flight conditions
That you would have smooth and fast connections for every leg of your journey

“ The Lord will keep you from all harm — He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:8

2. Prayers for open hearts

Pray for God to soften hearts to receive the Gospel
That He would begin to speak to the people even before your team touches the ground
That you would be able to meet both the physical and spiritual needs that the people long for the most

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

3. Prayers for wisdom and understanding

Pray that you would overcome any cultural or language barriers
That your team would be able to minister the gospel in a way that will best reach the people you are trying to serve
That you would have discernment in any spiritual or physical situations you might walk into

“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” -Ephesians 6:19

4. Prayers for travel health

Pray against sickness, disease, and infection
For physical safety and an accident-free trip
That each member of the team would be strong and healthy and have the energy needed to do the job
That jet-lag side effects would be minimal and you would feel well-rested even with little sleep

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.” -Habakkuk 3:19

5. Prayers for divine connections

Pray that the Lord would bring the right people across your path
That the Lord would create opportunities to serve and minister that you have not even planned — and that you would recognize those opportunities when they occur
That you would find meaningful ways to connect even if you don’t speak the language
For lifelong friendships to form

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” -Colossians 4:5

6. Prayers for a united team

Pray against quarreling, arguing or division amongst team members
That each person would strive for unity and peace with each other
That you would serve one another and put each other’s needs before your own
For your love for one another to be a witness to everyone who sees you

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” I Corinthians 1:10

Don’t forget to buy your Faith Ventures travel insurance !

Author: shawna levet.

Traveling to the Philippines at just 8 months old, Shawna grew up loving all things related to travel and serving abroad. She is passionate about helping others travel safely and make the most of their time abroad.

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5 Ways to Pray for Your Upcoming Mission Trip

Mission trips are often a life-changing experience . When planning to attend a mission trip there is more to the preparation than making sure your bag is packed with enough clean clothes for the week. You also want to prepare through prayer for all that you will experience.

Here are 5 ways you can pray in preparation for your upcoming mission trip.

1. Pray for the relationships that will be formed and strengthened by this experience…

“Lord, I pray that during this experience you would fill me with compassion, generosity, kindness and respect as I interact with the people I encounter. Teach me to look at the heart of people – the way you do – instead of judging by outward appearances. Give me sympathetic ears and observant eyes to be sensitive to the needs of those around me. Lastly, help me to remember this is a temporary community, cherishing the time I have with others while holding the knowledge that we will all go our separate ways soon.”

(1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Proverbs 17:17)

2. Pray for your time at the worksites…

“Dear Father, enable me to understand and appreciate the situations I am walking into at worksites this week. Give me humility, wisdom and respect as I interact with others so that I will not offend anyone involved. Empower me to work with all my heart for you, Lord. Guard me against laziness, inattention, frustration, unrealistic expectations and other attitudes that can get me off course.”

(1 Corinthians 10:23-32; Colossians 3:23)

3. Pray for the times of worship and spiritual encounters during the week…

“Jesus, grant me a renewed joy in knowing you this week. Strengthen me to speak God’s Word boldly and to be prepared to explain my hope in Christ. Speak to me during devotions, through my small group and at the evening worship. Help me to grow in the fruits of the spirit during this week and carry these lessons home so that my faith would continue to grow and strengthen in the months to come.”

(1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:22-23)

4. Pray for safety in the travel to and from the mission trip…

“Lord, I praise you that you do not sleep as you watch over me. Keep me and my group physically safe and healthy as we travel. Please provide me with patience and flexibility if things do not go according to the plan.”

(Psalm 121; James 4:14-16; Philippians 4:6)

5. Pray for the leaders on the trip…

“Heavenly Father, I pray that you would provide encouragement to the leaders and organizers of our mission trip. Help them remain faithful with the things you’ve entrusted to them. Let them set examples in speech, life, love and faith. Give them discernment to deal with any problems that may arise.”

(1 Corinthians 4:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:12)

We believe prayer is always impactful and hope that these prompts help you find a healthy state of emotional and spiritual well-being before you set off on your experience. Also, don’t forget to continue praying during your trip and as you head home.

Other resources to help you prepare for a mission trip include:

When Helping Hurts, book by Brian Fikkert
“ Prepping Students for Missions ” article by ThereforeGo Ministries

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5 EASY DEVOTIONS FOR YOUR MISSION TRIP

One of the most crucial things you can do to prepare for a mission trip is to be consistent in prayer and reading your Bible. It’s important to spend time alone with the Lord, but to also spend time praying, reading, and discussing with your team about your hopes, fears, and to encourage one another before you leave. In this article, we’ve included a few topics to focus on in your devotional time with verses that pertain to it. You can study these passages any way you’d like, but we recommend taking a moment on each one to process how you might implement it in your daily life.

Love One Another

Everything we do stems from God’s love for us so that we can love others. Hopefully, the very reason you’re going on this mission trip is because of your love for Jesus and His people who are hurting. However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy or that your heart won’t feel heavy on your trip. Spend time journaling before you leave, both alone and maybe sharing it with your team, and ask God to give you His love towards your team and the people you will encounter.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” – 1 John 4:10-12 (NIV)

“ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Romans 12: 9-14 (NIV)

The Lord has called all of us to serve , and one of the ways He has called you is through this mission trip. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, it’s important to remember the Kingdom of God is an “upside-down” Kingdom where we don’t try to elevate ourselves but seek to always serve and love others humbly. Not only that but we are also called to be joyful when we serve others. We encourage you to look for ways you can serve where maybe no one else wants to; before, during, and after your trip. It could be doing the dishes after a church event, encouraging someone you don’t see eye-to-eye with, raking leaves in an elderly person’s yard, etc. When we put aside our own wants and needs and look to serve others in what they truly need, we become more like Jesus.

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:42-45 (NIV)

In everyday life, we want to have unity among believers, but even more so when you will be spending 10-14 days with the same group of people. It’s easy to get frustrated or annoyed with one another over small things, but when you step back and look at the big picture of why you’re there, it reminds you that you all have the same purpose – to make Jesus known. Not only should you pray for unity but work hard to maintain it. No doubt there will be trials, hardships, and difficulties during your mission trip, but your team is your family, and you want to be for each other.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6 (NIV)

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:1-4

Don’t compare

God has specifically gifted you, just like He’s gifted the other members of your team. It can be easy to feel like you’re not doing enough or compare yourself and your gifts to other people. While you shouldn’t guilt yourself for doing this, try to remember that God has equipped you for such a time as this. He doesn’t make mistakes and He doesn’t show favoritism. Be who God has made you to be, prayerfully walk in His Spirit, and let Him do the work through you.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11

Be patient in doing good

You may not see someone come to know Jesus on your trip, but you may plant seeds in someone that another person in their life can help grow. God hasn’t called us to “save” people because only He can do that. He simply asks us to be part of the process and bring glory to Him. It’s okay if you feel discouraged or confused, but make sure you talk to someone about it. And continue the hard work of being patient and doing good.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

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Mission Trip Planning Toolkit

Whether you’re getting ready for your first mission trip, or you’ve participated in many trips, it’s important to be prepared. This toolkit guides you through the mission trip planning process and equips you with tools to use on your trip and after you come home. Resources include travel tips, devotions, fundraising advice, cultural awareness training, and more.

Looking for help with mission trip planning during the pandemic?

Preparing your team, mission trip planning checklist.

Use this checklist to stay on schedule while planning your mission trip.

Read this section

Meetings you should have before your mission trip.

Six pre-trip meetings your team should have and a suggested agenda for each one.

Mission Trip Team Building Activities

Building strong relationships with the people on your mission trip team is an important part of trip preparation. Here are some ideas for building trust.

Mission Trip Skills Survey Template [Download]

This editable skills survey template can help you get a sense of the gifts and abilities your mission trip team has so that you know the ways you’re equipped to serve together.

Download the survey template

Connecting mission with faith, spiritual preparation for your mission trip.

Here are some steps you can take as a team to prepare spiritually for your mission experience.

Devotions and Bible Study Suggestions

Mission trip devotions (including a set you can read on Faithward for free ) and suggestions for group and personal devotional time during your mission trip.

Mission Trip Prayer Journal [Downloadable Template]

Download and print prayer booklets for your mission trip team to use for prayer, reflection, and devotions during your mission trip.

Download for free

How to foster lasting spiritual growth.

Advice for cultivating spiritual growth on your mission trip that impacts people’s faith after they come home.

Fundraising and budgeting

Mission trip fundraising ideas.

Creative ideas to help you and your team raise support for your mission trip.

How to Write a Mission Trip Fundraising Letter

This step-by-step guide shows you how to write a fundraising letter from start to finish and includes a sample letter.

Making Your Mission Trip Budget

A breakdown of costs you may need to account for in your mission trip budget.

Travel and culture

How to prepare for cross-cultural experiences.

Strategies, resources, and activities to help you and your team increase your cultural awareness and agility before your trip.

How to be a Good Guest on Short-term Mission Trips

Follow these tips to be a hospitable guest to the community hosting you.

Travel Safety and Packing Tips

Guidance on what you should pack and how to travel safely for trips within North America and internationally.

Church participation

How to involve your church in your trip.

Your church may not all be on your trip with you, but there are ways that members can participate.

Coming home from your trip

Mission trip team debriefing guide.

How to process your mission trip during the trip, at the end of the trip, and after you come home.

How to Share Your Mission Trip Experience

Suggestions for sharing your mission trip experience with your church, friends, and family.

Want more mission trip planning support?

4 Beautiful Prayers for Missionaries

The call to share the Good News of the Lord is great. It can be heavy at times, even when the harvest is great. Missionaries need our prayers, encouragement, and support more than ever. Ask the Lord how you can be a vessel of assistance to them as they risk their lives for the Kingdom.

The commission to Christians from God is to share the Good News of Christ, and missionaries strive to live out that commission every day.

In Matthew 28:19 , Jesus gave the charge to “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Missionaries carry out this call daily, often risking their own safety and lives to do so.

The work of missionaries is imperative to share the gospel to every corner of the earth, so that all may come to know the truth of God in their own hearts. Whether overseas or on our own home field, missionaries need our prayers for the great and sacrificial work they are doing through the Holy Spirit.

A Prayer for Open Doors for Missionaries over Seas

Father God, We lift up our missionaries overseas. Lord, you have called them away from their homeland to follow You for Your purpose in their lives and to the lives of those they come into contact with--just as Hebrews 11:8 reminds us of Abraham going by obedience, not knowing what he would find in the journey ahead. Overseas missionaries, much like Abraham, have awoken to the call in their own hearts to venture beyond what they have known to follow in obedience to share with others about You, Lord. Father, we pray protection over them. We pray for safety and favor as they take every step-in obedience into these lands. We pray that the hearts they come into contact with would be open and willing to hear and receive the beautiful and life-altering truth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray for open doors and victory in Your Name so that more of Your children would come to the table of the Lord. May doors that have been long since closed to visitors swing wide open by Divine influence in order that Your call to all of Your followers may be carried out by Your Holy plan. In Jesus' name, amen.

A Prayer of Boldness for Domestic Missionaries

Father God, We pray over domestic missionaries sharing the hope and love of Christ on our very own soil. So many in our country have been shown a false view of what it means to follow Christ, but we pray through Your Holy Spirit missionaries would be given the words, guidance, and access to share Your true heart and love with those they come into contact with. May those they meet come with their honest and vulnerable hurt, experience, and perspective and be open to coming into personally knowing You, Lord God. Help missionaries to be tender to Your Spirit, knowing when to speak and when to listen. Help them to walk in boldness rooted in You, standing boldly and without fear, for they are sent from You. Just as Moses stood before Pharaoh boldly proclaiming Your assignment to him, our missionaries stand before others. Help them not to fear the wrath or harshness of men, but to know what matters is Your opinion in the end. Father, help Your children as they proclaim Your Name in this land. In Jesus' name, amen.

A Prayer of Spiritual Protection for Discouraged Missionaries

Father God, We lift up missionaries who are discouraged. John 15:18 is where You remind us that the world can be cruel and full of hatred, but it hated You first. Help us all cling to the truth that You have overcome the world, and we are chosen by You to not be of this world. Help that resounding fact to deeply indwell in the spirits of discouraged missionaries. Help them feel Your comfort and peace, reassure them that their work is not in vain. Pour out peace and security over them like a gentle rain, reminding them that You are proud of Your good and faithful servants. We pray overwhelming spiritual protection around them, so that no attack or plot of the enemy may be successful. We pray angels would surround them so that every strike of anything not of You would not be allowed to pass. In Jesus' name, amen.

A Prayer of Safety for Missionary Families

Father God, So many missionaries have families that join them on the field, and that can prove an entirely greater challenge. Father, we pray over those families. We pray that they would be of one mind and heart united in You. May the children of missionaries profoundly come to see the impact and difference their parents are making on the mission field, and seek to contribute as well through action or prayer. We pray for the safety of these families, ever guarded and protected by You. We pray for the connections they are making that they may only see family increase in number, for more of Your family is coming to the table. May peace and understanding reign stronger than anything fighting against them.

In Jesus' name, amen.

A Prayer of Guidance for Missionaries Returning from the Field

Father God, We lift up missionaries returning from the field. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that You have a specific season for facets of our lives, and for many missionaries, their seasons in the field are not permanent. We lift them up in prayer as they return back to their homelands from the field. May the know they fulfilled their seasons in accordance to Your timeline for their lives, and the next assignment and chapter You have for them is important to Your heart. Help them to receive encouragement, affirmation, and support from those around them and for them not to become dry spiritually. They are following Your call for their next stage of life, and we pray for the glorious adventure to be unlocked in that season. Guide them as they venture forward, providing confirmation and assurance in each step they take. Your plans may not always make sense, but we can trust fully that Your lead is the best path. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bonus: A Prayer of Health for Missionaries during COVID-19

Father God, We lift up missionaries during the COVID-19 outbreak. For so many communities have been massively impacted by sickness, fear, or devastation. Father, help them to do all things through Your wisdom and guidance during this time. Protect them and help them to have full health, helping their immune systems to remain strong during this time. Father, as many are quarantined, we pray that outreach via the internet or other forms of communication may be all the more powerful. Help them to connect even when not in person and to truly represent You well during a tense time. This can be a time in which remarkable change can happen, so help them to follow the Spirit’s lead and urgings. Help this be a time of miracles in Your Name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Encouraging Scriptures for Missionaries

Matthew 28:19 , “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Isaiah 61:1 , “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

Colossians 4:3-4 “Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

Matthew 25:40 , “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Galatians 6:9 , “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

1 Peter 4:10 , “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Matthew 24:14 , “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Acts 13:47 , “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 : “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Philippians 3:14 , “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:31-35 , “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His Own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God , who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”

2 Corinthians 5:7 , “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive" and Christine Caine's "Propel Women," among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging ladies to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed , will be available everywhere on May 1, 2024. It is set to be featured in Jesus Calling and on The 700 Club on May 28, 2024. @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com

This article is part of our prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray .

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What gives us confidence that Christianity is the right path? Quite simply, it’s because all other religions teach man how to reach God, but the Bible teaches that God reached down to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

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Mission Trip Prayer & Devotional Plan

When preparing for a mission trip many people struggle with the unknowns of travel, the uncertainties of encountering other cultures, or feelings of inadequacy about the tasks we are called on to do. Fears and uncertainties can dominate your thinking but God’s perspective is far more valuable! This series aims to focus your thinking away from uncertainty and towards the confidence you can gain from God’s perspective.

We would like to thank Tim Stafford & Zondervan Publishing for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://bibl.es/YVGodsJustice

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Encounter God's Presence

Encounter god's presence - retreats, camps, mission trips, more.

About Encounter God’s Presence
EGP’s Beliefs
Vision, Purpose & Godly Counsel
Jason & Heidi Williams
Shannon & Amanda Pickard
Paul & Yuri Huntington
Ronnie & Sef Gonzalez
Rocko the Clown
Persecuted Guest Speakers
Jenni (Sex Trafficking Survivor)
Youth Camp Leaders – preps & responsibilities
DEVOS in God’s Word
Mission Houston
Yucatán Mexico Mission Trip
Nights of Worship, Youth Rallies, Main Services, & Young Adult Events
Cedar Creek Christmas/ East Texas Mission Trip
past mission trip to St. Croix, Virgin Islands
past mission trips to Jamaica
past mission trips to Belize
Servant Leadership Conference – Jan.
Youth & Young Adult Spring Break Retreat
Shan the Man
Transform DJs
Spoken Word Poet
Break Dancer
Buy digital footage
Social Media
Camp Pictures
Donate Please
- About Encounter God’s Presence
- EGP’s Beliefs
- Vision, Purpose & Godly Counsel
- Jason & Heidi Williams
- Shannon & Amanda Pickard
- Paul & Yuri Huntington
- Ronnie & Sef Gonzalez
- Rocko the Clown
- Josh Lewis
- Persecuted Guest Speakers
- Jenni (Sex Trafficking Survivor)
- Kid’s Camp
- Youth Camp
- Youth Camp Leaders – preps & responsibilities
- DEVOS in God’s Word
- Mission Houston
- Yucatán Mexico Mission Trip
- Nights of Worship, Youth Rallies, Main Services, & Young Adult Events
- Cedar Creek Christmas/ East Texas Mission Trip
- past mission trip to St. Croix, Virgin Islands
- past mission trips to Jamaica
- past mission trips to Belize
- Servant Leadership Conference – Jan.
- Youth & Young Adult Spring Break Retreat
- Shan the Man
- Transform DJs
- Spoken Word Poet
- Break Dancer
- VIDEOS !!!
- Buy digital footage
- Hot linx
- Social Media
- Camp Pictures

Mission Trip Prep Prayers

Let’s pray god’s word together in agreement., 7 days of prep prayers for mission trip to jamaica, calling again all prayer warriors … 7 days from now, we’ll be on our way to jamaica on a mission from god. understanding that there is major spiritual warfare before, during and after an event like this, we know that we can’t just sit idly by but have to engage with the spiritual weapons god has given us. we want to pray biblical prayers as we prepare these next 14 days for what god has for all those who are going to be impacted by being at camp or watching the live stream online. please commit to praying each day with us. thanks to diana smith for putting them together., so please ask others to join us in praying, this could be what helps draw someone to this camp in jamaica to have a real life-changing encounter with god. for his glory, jason & heidi williams, ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞.

EGP camp in Jamaica begins July 22nd!

(Mission trip details here.)

Day #1 of 7 Prep Prayers – Readiness

So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. stay alert and be clearheaded. 1thessalonians 5:6, devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. colossians 4:2, be on guard. stand firm in the faith. be courageous. be strong. and do everything with love. 1 corinthians 16:13, god has already been doing a work in each one of us. he has been equipping us, gifting us, directing us and guiding us. he wants us ready. as i was preparing this, god showed me (ms. d) picture of a soldier. any time a solider enters into battle or a mission he/she is equipped with tools and uniform. they have knowledge of their tools, they know their assignment and directions. they are ready for anything that comes their way. egp mission team be on the ready. ready to take new territory for god., let’s pray this together… heavenly father, we want to have our minds, hearts and bodies ready to do your work. right where we are at, start preparing us please. we want to be more than ready. god, we ask that you empty us of ourselves and start filling us with more of you. more of your love and more of your grace, we want to pour that out to others., heavenly father, please fill us with your wisdom and knowledge. father, we want to be ready to serve the people of jamaica. holy spirit, start doing a deep work inside of us. prepare us from the top of our heads to the soles of our feet. the minute our feet touch the ground in jamaica, we are ready to do the work of our loving father., we pray all this in jesus name., day #2 of 7 prep prayers – willingness, then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole and blameless heart they had offered freely to the lord. 1 chronicles 29:9 amp, for i know your readiness, of which i boast about you to the people of macedonia, saying that achaia has been ready since last year. and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 2 corinthians 9:2 esv, for if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person had, not according to what he does not have. 2 corinthians 8:12 nasb, join us in praying this …, heavenly father, we want to be people of willingness. whatever is asked of us, we want to do. we want to do it without complaining or grumbling. we want to work with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts. no matter the circumstances we want to be a team that is always willing to serve at every level. god, please give us the willing hearts that we need. we pray all this in jesus name., day #3 of 7 prep prayers – servants heart/ serving, just as each one of you has received a special gift {a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by god}, employ it in serving one another as {is appropriate for} good stewards of god’s multi-faceted grace {faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to christians by god’s unmerited favor}. 1 peter 4:10 amp, and i have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. you should remember the words of the lord jesus: “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” acts 20:35 nlt, for even the son of man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for man. mark 10:45 nlt, carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of christ. {that is, the law of christian love}. galatians 6:2 amp, give of your hands to serve and your hearts to love~ mother teresa, let’s pray this together…, heavenly father, we want to give our very best in serving your people. we want to serve with excellence and love. jesus we want to serve and love just like you do. we need you to show us now how to do and do it just like you. when we serve we want the jamaicans to see you father not us. we want everything we do to be done in love. every where we go that your presence goes with us. wherever we serve and wherever we go we want to leave your fragrance. your sweet aroma will linger in the land. heavenly father, not only do we want to serve the jamaicans but we also want to serve and be your hands and feet in our travels. on the roadways, in the airports and everywhere we go we want to serve and love others. in jesus name we pray all this., day #4 of 7 prep prayers – sowing , remember this- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. but the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2 corinthians 9:2 nlt, plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another-or maybe both. ecclesiastes 11:6 nlt, the generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. proverbs 11:25 nlt, and the seed that fell on the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people who hear god’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. luke 8:15 nlt, heavenly father, you know the seeds that need to be sown into jamaica. god, start doing work in us individually, that each of us will carry seeds that you want planted. god, please help get the ground ready. go before us and prepare every square each of the land. soften every place the soil is harden. fertilize land where crops cannot grow. god, after your seeds have been sown, open us the heavens and rain down on every place a seed was planted. heavenly father, we can’t wait to hear and see your harvest. we can’t wait to see all that will be done in this land. we pray all this in jesus name., day #5 of 7 prep prayers – revival, in ezekiel 37:1-14 (nlt) we read this, “the lord took hold of me, and i was carried away by the spirit of the lord to a valley filled with bones. he led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. they were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. then he asked me, “son of man, can these bones become living people again” ” o sovereign lord.” i replied, ” you alone know the answer to that.” then he said to me, ” speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘dry bones, listen to the word of the lord this is what the sovereign lord says: look i am going to put breath into you, and you will come to life. then you will know that i am the lord.” so i spoke this message, just as he told me. suddenly as i spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. the bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. then as i watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them. then he said to me, ” speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. speak a prophetic message and say, ‘this what the sovereign lord says: come, o breath, from the four winds breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.” so i spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. they all came to life and stood up on their feet, a great army. then he said to me, “son of man, these bones represent the people of israel. they are saying, ‘we have become old, dry bones-all hope is gone. our nation is finished.’ therefore, prophecy to them and say, ‘this is what the sovereign lord says: o my people, i will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. then i will bring you back to the land of israel. when this happens, o my people, you will know that i am the lord. i will put my spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. then you will know that i, the lord, have spoken, and i done what i said. yes, the lord has spoken”, the definition of “revive” is restore to life, or consciousness, regain life, consciousness or strength, give new strength or energy to., synonyms: reinvigorate, revitalize, refresh, energize, reanimate (restore to life), resuscitate (revive from unconsciousness or death) revivify (give new life or vigor to) rejuvenate, regenerate, heavenly father, we ask that you start preparing the hearts and minds of the jamaicans and all of us that are going there. father we pray that you start opening their minds and heart to what you are wanting to speak and do in their land. lord, we pray they have a deeper hunger and thirst as well as our team. god, nothing will satisfy them or us but you. and you will be the one that we hunger for, only you will be able to feed us. lord you be the one that can only quench their thirst. you will be the only one to satisfy us. god that there will be yearning and groaning for you and revival will take place in their hearts and then it will move to their families, churches. and revival will take place throughout the country. in jesus name we pray all this., day #6 of 7 prep prayers – healing & miracles , heal me, lord, and i will be healed; save me and i will be saved, for you are the one i praise. jeremiah 17:14 niv, but i will restore you to health and heal your wounds; declares the lord. jeremiah 30:17 niv, lord my god, i called to you for help, and you healed me. psalms 30:2 niv, and his name- by faith in his name- has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. acts 3:16 esv, he is your praise and he is your god, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen. deuteronomy 10:21 nasb, but he said, ” the things that are impossible with people are possible with god.” luke 18:27 nasb, heavenly father, we stand on your word and hold tight to your promises. lord, we pray for healing to take place through out jamaica. god, we don’t just want it in one territory that we are going to be in, but we want to see and hear about healings and miracles taking place over the land. god, we want to see your healing hand move over bodies, minds, marriages and families. holy spirit, we pray you will start doing healing from the inside out. all will feel a healing power move through out their bodies and minds. the lame will walk, the blind will see, the baron will bare children. you will wash over them from the tops of their heads to the soles of their feet. we claim healing from depression, healing from suicidal thoughts, healing from sickness and diseases. god right now we bind and rebuke every demonic spirit that has a hold on people in this land. we bind depression and oppression. satan no longer do you have authority over the jamaican people. no longer will you keep them bond in bondage of sickness, diseases, viruses and lies. god your word says whatever is bound on earth is also bound in heaven and we stand on your word. we bind every generational curse right now in jesus name. god, we come expecting healing and miracles. and your name will be glorified, do it in such a super natural way that only you can get the glory for it. in jesus name we pray all this., extra prayer we’re sneaking in, let’s pray this together…, father, we thank you so much for everything you have done in our lives. we thank you foryour many blessings and we thankyou for our health and families. holy father we are so excited to be apart of this mission trip. we are grateful thatyou have allowed us to be a part. thankyou for providing financial for each one of us. god, we stand before you wanting to be your hands and feet. we need you to do a deep work within us. remove from us whatever is not pleasing to you. cleanse and purify our hearts and minds. empty us father of ourselves. we want you to pour into us over and over. we want to be saturated with you. we want your presence to go with us. god, please direct our steps and path. father, we want our hearts and mind to fall into alignment with what you want to do. we want to fall under your authority. god we want you to use us in new ways. we want you to use us in such a way that it will glorify your name., here we are god vessels that want to be used by only you. god show us how to love, be love and give love. show us how to be grace and give grace. get our minds and bodies ready physically, mentally and spiritually. god we want to truly be your hands and feet. we want to be god with skin on. heavenly father, will you start preparing our families for our departure. will you please give parents, spouses and children a peace and comfort. that you will take care of us and protect us. and we will return safely. precious father, thankyou again for the opportunity to serve your people. we pray all this in jesus name., day #7 of 7 prep prayers – traveling & protection, but let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. psalms 5:11 esv, guard me, o lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. psalms 140:4 esv, the lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my god is my rock, in whom i find protection. he is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. he is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. i called on the lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. 2 samuel 22:2-4 nlt, be strong in the lord and in his mighty power. put on all of god’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ephesians 6:11 nlt, so we can say with confidence, “the lord is my helper, so i will have no fear, what can mere people do to me” hebrews 13:6 nlt, “no weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. this the heritage of the servants of the lord, and their vindication is from me;” declares the lord. isaiah 54:17 nasb, heavenly father, we are so excited and honored you have allowed each one of us to be a part of this mission trip. we ask for your hedge of protection to be over us, around us and in us. we ask that every place we go your protection will be with us. be with us as we travel from our homes to the airport. father we ask for your protection to be with us on the plane rides. and also please be with the captain and the crew of our planes and our drivers that will transporting our team around. god, give us all wisdom as we go into a new country. let us be wise and alert of our surroundings. we pray all this in jesus name..

Mission Trip Prayer Preparation Guide

The secret of a successful mission trip is good preparation. Here are insider tips on prayer preparation for a mission trip. Whether you are planning a youth mission trip, a medical mission trip, a disaster recovery mission trip or a foreign mission trip, prayer preparation is the secret to success.

I used this plan for prayer preparation before an Israel mission trip. I emailed this list of guidelines to each mission group member a month prior to the trip so they could actively get ready to serve and pray on the mission trip.

1. Enlist two prayer partners

On your mission trip you will need the strength that comes from knowing that someone is praying for you before and during your trip. Ask God to bring to your mind two people whom you can ask to pray for your safety, health, effectiveness in mission and spiritual growth during the trip. Having prayer partners is essential because while you’re on the trip, you may not have time to pray when things begin happening very quickly.

Share special requests.

Share with your prayer partners details of the trip and any special requests you have. These might include personal concerns about your health, learning new tasks or that God will take care of your family and business back home while you’re gone.

For instance, before I went to Honduras I asked my prayer partners to pray about my personal goal to be comfortable praying out loud in Spanish with someone I met. I’m a bit rusty on my high school Spanish and was self conscious that I wouldn’t say the right things when praying. My usual conversations in Spanish relied heavily on hand motions and pantomime for the words I didn’t know. Unfortunately, you can’t use hand motions when someone’s eyes are closed in prayer! My prayer partners prayed specifically for this, and in Honduras I was brave enough to say a short prayer with a young woman I met who was helping us with Bible school.

Ask for prayer before the trip as you prepare.

Even before your trip begins, things will come up in your work, life, health or family that might possibly cause you to not make the trip.

Two weeks before our Israel trip I suddenly developed severe vertigo that didn’t go away. I was in and out of doctor’s office at least 5 times and even required an emergency room visit. Needless to say I called on my prayer partners – and also on the other praying friends. I needed prayer for the physical strength to get ready for the trip, guidance on seeking the right treatments and discernment as to whether I’d be able to make the trip at all.

Ask for prayer about the unexpected.

Unexpected things will happen during the trip. You will definitely be tired. You will probably get lost trying to find new places. Your luggage may be delayed or lost. It’s a good idea to make your main prayer request to your prayer partners that God will grant you resiliency, an ability to handle glitches and changes of plans gracefully and to not lose sight of your goal of sharing God’s love with others.

2. Read your favorite Gospel

Since mission trips involve going to a new location, begin by reading one of the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke or John – and meditate on how Jesus and the disciples moved from town to town teaching people, meeting their needs and spreading God’s love. The Gospel of Mark is a good reading choice because there is much emphasis on travel and action.

When we go on a mission trip of any kind, we are not only following the example of how Jesus travelled to serve, but we are also acting as an ambassador of Christ as it says in the Bible verse, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV.) As you prepare for your trip, ask God to enable you be a good representative of Christ’s love to those you meet on your mission trip.

3. Practice responding to the inner nudges of the Holy Spirit to pray for others.

Because mission work revolves around relationships with people who are strangers and perhaps very different than we are, an important part of our mission trip preparation is to practice silently praying for people we meet. In the weeks before your trip, begin listening for small nudges from the Holy Spirit to silently pray for strangers and people you meet in your normal daily routine. Also be alert to nudges to pray for issues and community needs that you see. Once you are on your trip, this helps create an awareness that everyone you meet might be a divine appointment, whether they are a cab drive, a waitress in a restaurant, a local leader or even another member of your mission group.

4. Do at least one silent prayer walk in your local community

When we went on our Israel trip we did a prayer drive along the northern borders of Israel, praying for peace and protection. We also did a silent group prayer walk through the poor residential areas of Nazareth and around the walls of Jerusalem.

5. Pray about at least one news story about a complex issue

Before your mission trip, practice praying for ongoing social issues by praying about at least one news story that involves a large, complex problem. All mission trips open our eyes to local, national or global issues that need prayer. On your trip you may be seeing the results of generations of poverty, lack of education, repression, discrimination, social problems, armed conflicts, exploitation of the environment or corrupt government. Most mission team members are idealists who find forces that crush and limit the human spirit very disturbing. View your stirred feelings as a call to pray.

“May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!” ( Psalm 72:4 )

When we went on our mission trip to Israel, we knew that we would find clashing cultures, religions and long-seated animosities. However the longer we stayed, listened and explored, the more aware we became of the incredible complexity of the issues. We felt we were finding layer upon layer of issues, like peeling an onion only to find more and more layers underneath. Our prayers changed quite a bit from the simplistic ones that we prayed from afar such as “We pray peace on Jerusalem.” Instead we found ourselves pleading for the overarching redemption of Christ’s sacrificial blood upon all of the ethnic discord and centuries of violence.

6. Say a short prayer of blessing out loud with someone

Nearly everyone you meet on a mission trip could use a personal prayer of blessing, including those whom you are serving, the local missionaries and relief workers who are working with them, people who assist you in your travels and your fellow team members. Perhaps the person for whom you will be called to pray has never heard their name said out loud in prayer to God. Perhaps they even feel unworthy to voice their own requests to God. Praying a prayer of blessing with them is an amazing affirmation that God cares for them, and that you care.

Saying prayers of blessing out loud for others is Biblical. In Old Testament times the father of the family blessed the children every Sabbath and also gave parting prayers of blessing at the time of their deaths. Jesus Himself took the time to bless children as it says, “Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16 NLT) Notice the practice of placing hands on the person being blessed. I have found this to be very effective to hold a person’s hand or to lay my hand on their shoulder when I say a prayer of blessing for them.

On our Israel trip, we stayed at a small bed and breakfast inn run by a woman named Gila. During our stay we learned that we were among her last guests as she had made the decision to close the B&B in order to serve full time as a missionary in Africa. After she told us about her ministry, we gathered around Gila and said a prayer of blessing on her ministry.

Another idea that I used in Honduras to say natural prayers of blessing over children involved using a face painting crayon we were using to “decorate” the children at a community festival. As I drew a flower on a child’s arm, I said a short prayer of blessing out loud I had memorized in Spanish that went something like this, “May God bless you with all good things today and always.” This time of blessing children turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip for me.

On another occasion when I went as a chaperone on a youth mission trip to Savannah, one of the worship services at the end of the week was a foot washing time where the chaperones from our church took turns washing the feet of each youth from our church. After washing their feet, the chaperone who had washed the feet of the youth said a special prayer of blessing out loud over the youth. Since we had been together all week, I was able to thank God for the good qualities I had seen in them and also say a prayer of blessing for the kind of future God might be envisioning for them. It was a very powerful service.

7. Brush up on spiritual warfare

The Bible speaks in terms of a spiritual battle against the forces that oppose God kingdom. Praying against evil forces is called spiritual warfare and spiritual warfare is waged through prayer and the power God provides to resist and stand against evil and to carry on God’s work nevertheless. In reading one of the Gospels (as suggested earlier in this article) you will notice that Jesus and the disciples were constantly coming against sin, pride, oppression and evil strongholds over people’s lives. When the disciples were unable to help a boy who was possessed by evil, Jesus told them, He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29 NIV)

Subtle forms of spiritual opposition.

Most of us going on mission trips are untrained people who generally don’t operate on the intense prayer level of those who have the specialized gifts of the Spirit such as the gifts of healing, deliverance and the working of miracles. However we will certainly encounter spiritual opposition that we can and should pray against.

The spiritual opposition may be overt, such as voodoo or occult practices. More typically, we will be up against more subtle but very real forms of evil that need to be curtailed and neutralized via prayer. The devil can just as easily oppress us with anger, quarrels among team members, fear, depression, a sense of being overwhelmed by the needs we see, discouragement, a sense that those we are serving aren’t appreciative of our sacrifices, etc. We also may be personally victimized by discrimination, persecution, rejection, crime, distrust and jealousy.

Binding and loosing.

Praying against evil often is thought of in terms of binding and losing, based on this verse from the Bible where Jesus tells us, “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18 NIV) Christians often use this as a pattern of prayer. As an example we might pray, “Jesus, we pray that you will bind the power of fear over this community and we pray that you will loose your love and your faith in them.” Praying this prayer is in accordance with another Bible verse that says, “But perfect love drives out fear.” (I John 4:18 NIV) In praying against evil, we often use the pattern of naming the specific evil influence and asking God to replace it with the opposite attribute of God’s goodness.

As an example, one time on a mission trip a divisive personality conflict/power struggle arose between two leaders. After it was over I went into the restroom stall to silently pray that God would bind the spirit of stress and distress and the taking up of sides that this conflict had brought upon the group. Later the next day I bumped into one of the leaders involved who in my estimation had been sincerely trying to do the right thing but perhaps had gone about it in the wrong way. I asked the person to come with me around the side of a building for a brief moment of prayer. I then said a prayer thanking God for this person’s faith and their desire to do the right thing and asking God to protect them from any fallout from this conflict. In my prayer I was in effect “loosing” this person’s faith and binding their fear of further repercussions.

Your sensitivity to local evil influences.

Another spiritual warfare aspect we may experience on a mission trip is that we may become unexpectedly aware of the local forms of evil influences when visiting another culture. This happens because in our own home culture we are too familiar and comfortable with the various evil influences we live with daily and may be so used to them that we have ceased being disturbed by them and have ceased praying against them. For instance, in the U.S. evil influences in our culture that we have learned to minimize might include self reliance/pride, materialism/hedonism or moral laxity.

In a new and different culture, our spiritual antennae may be very high to unfamiliar spirits that are “foreign” to us such as ethnic or religious intolerance, oppressive regimes, sexual exploitation or unforgiving spirits/vengefulness affecting whole families and communities. On your trip, use this as a spiritual insight from God to inform your prayers as you bind and loose the evil forces you encounter.

Cultural comparisons that point out the evil influences of your own culture back home.

Also be aware that the Holy Spirit may want to re-open our own eyes to the forms of evil in our own culture by showing us the refreshing absence of them in the culture we are visiting. For instance, when visiting an area of poverty we might be extremely surprised to see how happy the residents are with much less material goods than we possess. The Holy Spirit may be taking the opportunity to show us how fully we have “bought into” consumerism and wasteful consumption back home. This too, is an invitation to pray against evil influences much closer to home and even in our own lives.

8. Practice putting on the armor of God

An extremely important prayer to use every day, especially on a mission trip is to prayerfully put on the figurative armor of God. This comes from Ephesians where it says:

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:13-18 NIV)

Before your trip, experiment with using these verses to pray, asking God to equip you with all of these vital pieces of spiritual equipment.

I personally use this image as a prayer every morning while brushing my teeth. I don’t think about the spiritual equipment in the order mentioned in the verse, but rather work down from my head to my feet and then to my hands in this way: helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, feet shod with good news, shield of faith, sword of spirit.

9. Make a personal prayer plan to use during your trip

In Honduras we stay in dorm rooms with 8 other women. Needless to say a lot of talking and laughing goes on. It’s fun never to run out of someone to talk to, but it’s not conducive to prayer, because with that many people, someone somewhere is always holding a conversation.

Given these drawbacks, people devised various strategies for quiet time. I noticed some of the women journaling with the aid of a flashlight after we turned off the overhead lights to sleep. That way they had a chance to reflect on and pray about the day.

I’m used to a morning prayer routine, so I set out to created a personal prayer time between breakfast and group meeting time. It meant eating breakfast quickly in order to squeeze in a few minutes of free time. I then walked a dirt driveway in front of the dorm, stopping to stand under a huge tropical tree with orchids growing in the branches. I found that during the walk and the time standing alone under the tree I was able to have a short personal prayer time of praise and meditation to keep me grounded in God for the day.

10. Pray for someone who needs encouragement or direction.

Mission trips often involve long rides in planes, trains, automobiles, vans, jeeps or buses. During this time team members often get to know each other on a deeper level, telling each other their life stories, challenges and latest undertakings. Because mission trips give busy people a break from the normal distractions of their lives, while away they are better able to gain perspective on the direction their relationships, careers, lives and spiritual growth are going. Therefore, it’s possible that during your trip God may want to use you to help someone make a positive step forward.

Before your mission trip, practice praying for God’s life-directing help for others. Choose someone you know who is in need of encouragement or direction. Then get together with them and at the end of your time together say a short prayer out loud for them about their current life situations by including some of the specifics they have told you during the course of the conversation.

Prior to your departure date, pray that on the mission trip God will help you be a good listener when someone needs it. Just as importantly, pray that God will keep you from trying to “fix” those He sends your way. Also pray that you will resist the temptation to advise them what to do. Instead ask for the grace to simply listen, love and then offer a prayer with them that God will guide and help them with whatever their life concern might be. Prayer is the gift you can give them that will both empower and comfort them.

On one mission trip the night before our return flight home I was randomly assigned to stay for one night in an airport hotel room with a woman who had seemed to confidently enjoy the mission trip we were just completing. However as she knelt on the hotel room floor trying to rearrange the contents of her suitcase, she suddenly began to share with me her feelings of inadequacy about her job and her child rearing abilities. I was quite surprised and sat down on the floor with her, listening and nodding. When she had finished telling me her concerns, I asked her if she would mind if I said a short prayer with her. She said yes, and I prayed with her about the specific issues that she had raised as she talked.

11. Pray about ways to encourage prayer and teach about prayer with those you serve.

A good prayer to use or teach is the Lord’s Prayer because you can usually find a translation of it in every language. Before our trip to Honduras I used a magic marker to write a few words of the Lord’s prayer in Spanish onto pieces of construction paper. I then had children stand in front of the class holding the words in order and had us all repeat the prayer. Many of the children already knew the prayer, however others didn’t. We then proceeded to have each child turn over their paper to the blank side one at a time as we repeated the prayer until the whole class was saying the prayer from memory.

12. Feel the prayer power

A mission trip is an extremely important undertaking that you don’t want to embark upon without prayerful preparation. You aren’t simply praying to prevent things from going wrong. Rather you pray to ensure that everything will go divinely right in ways that we cannot make them go right without God’s power. We are praying for heavenly breakthroughs, for healed relationships, hope in dark places, the defeat of evil and for God’s reconciling love that covers a multitude of sins, disappointments and sorrows. You are praying for exponential spiritual growth in your own life and in the lives of the individuals you meet, and in whole churches and cities and states and countries.

It is my observation that more things of real spiritual substance can take place within a short week on a mission trip than take place in a month of Sundays back home. Taking the time before your mission trip to pray one small pray about each opportunity discussed in this article can change everything. May your prayers begin and may they produce God’s abundant harvest.

Helpful links to other articles

Mission Trip Prayer

Praying for Missions and Missionaries

How to Create a Prayer Pill Box to Encourage Someone Daily for a Week

The Aaronic or Priestly Blessing

A Traditional Irish Blessing

Prayer Walks Praying for Neighborhoods

How to Prayer Walk

“On the Spot” Praying with Others

Saint Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer

How to Pray for God’s Protection Using the Scriptures on the Armor of God

About Karen Barber

Karen Barber is the Founding Director of Prayer Igniters International, a former Contributing Editor with Guideposts Magazine, the author of Surprised by Prayer and the creator of the Personal Prayer Power video/study series. Personal Prayer Power emphasizes interactive prayer, including how to find an answer to every prayer and how prayer shapes your future.

8 Creative Ways to Pray For Your Mission Trip

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Praying for your mission trip doesn’t need to mean sitting silently in a circle with your students. Capture your teenagers’ attention and harness their imagination by using these 8 creative ways to get your youth, parents and church praying for your mission trip.

1. Google Maps Prayer Walk

Pull up a map of the community you are traveling to on Google Maps. Find key locations in the community you’re headed to (schools, city hall, historical buildings, parks, etc.). Using a projector, go to the “street view” option and “walk” around the community with your students. At key locations, pause to introduce a new prayer topic (e.g. “This is city hall; let’s spend a few minutes praying for the leaders of this community.) As students pray, “walk” them to a new location. Once you arrive in the community, you might take time to visit these places.

2. Prayer Stations

Create stations for each of your prayer requests. If you have been to the community before, use pictures from past trips to hang up at each station, so the team can have a visual of who/what they are praying for. If you haven’t been to the community, find pictures of the community online or get objects/pictures that represent each station’s focus (e.g. a van seat represents safety, a team photo represents unity, a granola bar represents energy). This is a great activity to involve parents or other church members in. You might scatter your prayer stations around a room, around the church with taped arrows on the floor or in a big circle around the parking lot.

3. Prayer Board

For this one you will need butcher paper (or maybe a large whiteboard). Help each student come up with 2–4 prayer requests for the mission trip, including both team and individual requests. Students will trace their hands on the butcher paper and write one request inside each handprint. Hang the prayer requests in a public space at your church. Also, hang multicolor markers nearby and the following directions: “Pray for our mission trip! Please trace your hand over the request(s) you pray for.” Make an announcement directing people toward this prayer exercise.

4. Prayer Partners

Assign prayer partners in your mission team. You can pick or let your team pick who their partner will be. Allow time and space at each meeting for prayer partners to connect, share requests and pray for one another. You can also continue these partnerships during your mission trip.

5. Prayer Bracelets

Use color beads, letter beads or charms to represent certain aspects of the mission trip. Set aside time at your meeting to create bracelets and let your team know what each bead/charm represents as you take time to pray for each aspect. Invite students to wear these bracelets as a reminder to pray often for the mission trip. You might also invite parents to make bracelets as a reminder to pray.

6. Post-it Prayer

For this activity you will need a Post-it note and pen for each person in your group. Have students write down a prayer request on their Post-it at the beginning of your meeting. They can be anonymous if students wish. Then have the students stick the Post-its to the wall. At the end of the meeting have each student grab a Post-it. Encourage them to pray for that prayer request over the next week/month until your next meeting.

7. Prayer Pail

Have a pail with many different items in it. Each item represents a different focus of your mission trip (e.g. a jump rope in the pail represents the children you are going to work with). Start each meeting by pulling one item out of the pail and taking time to pray for that focus of the mission trip. OR pass around the pail and have everyone remove an item. Go around the circle telling them what each item represents and how that thing will play a part in the mission trip. You might even create a question to ask about each object (e.g. “What do you hope our ministry to children will do for them? What about for our team?”). After discussion, pray for the prayer focus the item represents.

8. Chalk Prayers

Have your team gather at church an hour before worship starts on Sunday and hand everyone a piece of chalk. Fill the sidewalks and parking lot with simple one- or two-word aspects of your trip that your congregation can pray for. (You can discuss what these things are in your prior meeting.) Encourage congregants to pray for these things as they walk in and out of church that day. You might have students stand in the lots handing people cards inviting them to pray as they walk in.

Preparation, paperwork, packing, pre-trip processing… all these things are important, but prayer is vital. However you do it, take time to lift up prayer for your trip.

In high school Kryn was a student on many different YouthWorks trips and served as summer staff starting in 2008, when she spent her first summer in Booneville. Kryn has been working in the YouthWorks office since 2011, and currently helps manage YouthWorks’ social media and marketing campaigns. When she isn’t at the office you can usually find her at a coffee shop with a friend or at home with her cat Cupcake.

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7 Ways Your Church Can Pray for Missionaries

As the primary sending body, it is important that churches regularly pray for missionaries they support and encourage their members to do the same. If missionaries are going to be effective kingdom agents, they need to be equipped and supported by the faithful prayers of their sending churches.

Here are ways your church and church members can organize prayer for your missionaries.

1. Make it a part of regular church gatherings.

Incorporate prayer for missionaries into the life of the church. Include missionary-specific prayer in your church’s gatherings including the worship service, Sunday school classes, Bible studies, youth group, and children’s ministry programs.

2. Host a special prayer event.

Make missionaries the focus. Organize special times of congregational prayer with a spotlight on specific missionaries whether it is a regular prayer meeting, an all-night prayer vigil, or a prayer emphasis week.

3. Write out prayers.

Have members write out prayers for missionaries and then send them to them. Think how this will encourage missionaries! It’s one thing to hear “I’m praying for you.” It’s quite another to read the words church members spoke to the Father on their behalf. This is a great way to bless those serving Christ around the world.

4. Adopt a missionary.

Assign each missionary to a staff person or member from the congregation who is responsible to pray regularly for the missionary. Take it a step further and ask them to commit to checking in with their adopted missionary on regular intervals, asking the missionary about specific needs and prayer requests, and offering a listening ear.

5. Communicate with the congregation through existing channels.

Make it easy! Communicate the missionary’s specific prayer requests and updates to your congregants in your regular communication channels—email, social media, church announcements, etc. The easier it is for members to know who to pray for and how to pray, the more likely they are to pray. Don’t make people dig—most won’t.

6. Visit your missionaries.

Yes—go see them! Send members from your church to visit the missionary for the purpose of encouraging and praying for them. It can be hard as a missionary to be away from your home country. On top of cultural struggles, it can feel like everyone else “back home” is moving on with their lives. Missionaries welcome tangible reminders that they are seen and not forgotten. Just be mindful to visit coordinate your trip with their schedule, space, and availability in mind and not your own.

7. Pray for them in person.

Encourage your members to meet and pray in-person with missionaries when they are in town on home ministry assignment. There is something powerful about face-to-face connection and showing love tangibly.

These seven simple yet impactful ways your church can uplift and support missionaries through prayer. Remember, your prayers are a lifeline, bridging the distance between your congregation and those serving on the frontlines of ministry. So whether you're gathering in a sanctuary, sending a heartfelt letter, or planning an encouraging visit, know that every prayer counts and makes a difference. May your efforts bring a smile to the faces of those who need it most!

Want more? Read 9 Ways You Can Pray for Missionaries . Or check out Mission to the World’s weekly prayer list and other prayer resources.

Chelsea Rollman is a marketing specialist and staff writer at MTW. She formerly served as the girls’ discipleship coordinator at Village Seven in Colorado Springs, and as a marketing assistant at The White Horse Inn. Chelsea graduated from Covenant College in 2016 with her B.A. in English. She and her husband, Hudson, live in Jacksonville, Florida, and attend Christ Church Presbyterian where Hudson serves as the youth director.

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Sydney, australia: a multicultural city (video).

Korea, India, Nepal, Lebanon, Vietnam—the nations are coming to Sydney, making it a strategic spot for missions.

9 Ways You Can Pray for Missionaries

The power of prayer in supporting missionaries cannot be overstated.

Chris Claburn’s Call to Bangkok (VIDEO)

Watch Chris’s journey from summer internship to church planting as he discovers his calling. He now serves in a church plant in Thailand.

Pray today for specific missionaries you know or who your church supports.

Pray for the lost in Sydney, Australia, a city filled with people from many nations. Pray for Koreans, Indian, Nepalese, Lebanese, Vietnamese, and others who live in Sydney and don't know Jesus.

Give thanks that God still calls workers into His harvest! Pray today for Chris Claburn, as he serves on a church-planting team in Bangkok, Thailand.

Pray for missionaries as they struggle with all the what-ifs of living abroad. Pray that God would alleviate fear and that they would remember He is with them.

Give thanks for and pray for MTW's ministry in Krakow, Poland. Thank God for the opportunity to open a field there.

Pray that churches would care well for missionaries on home ministry assignment, and that missionaries would tangibly feel God's love.

Pray for a new parish-style church in Bangkok, Thailand, where the missionaries and church members are able to live in close proximity to one another and more easily minister to the community around them.

Pray for God's provision for missionaries raising support, and that they would remember that developing ministry partners is a ministry.

Pray for God to raise up missionaries to plant churches and teach theology in places where the gospel has been distorted.

Pray for the Wolof people in Senegal, identified as an unreached people group, as the gospel spreads through a new church plant.

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4 Beautiful Prayers for Missionaries. The call to share the Good News of the Lord is great. It can be heavy at times, even when the harvest is great. Missionaries need our prayers, encouragement, and support more than ever. Ask the Lord how you can be a vessel of assistance to them as they risk their lives for the Kingdom. The commission to ...
9 Ways You Can Pray for Missionaries
Here are nine ways you can pray for missionaries. 1. Reliance on God. Pray missionaries will not be tempted to depend on their own strength and forget that Jesus is the one building His Church. Pray for a greater reliance upon God's grace through regular prayer, Scripture reading, and church attendance. 2.
God, Use Me
10 Days. Sample Day 1. Start this Plan. Are you going on a mission trip? Use this plan as your pre-trip planning (5 days) and post-trip debrief (5 days). You'll find helpful Scripture, insightful commentary from experienced trip leaders, and thought-provoking prayers. Use the journaling and discussion questions to dig deeper.
Mission Trip Prayer & Devotional Plan
20 Days. Sample Day 1. Start this Plan. When preparing for a mission trip many people struggle with the unknowns of travel, the uncertainties of encountering other cultures, or feelings of inadequacy about the tasks we are called on to do. Fears and uncertainties can dominate your thinking but God's perspective is far more valuable!
Mission Trip Prep Prayers
Day #1 of 7 Prep Prayers - Readiness. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1Thessalonians 5:6. Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2. Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous.
Mission Trip Prayer Preparation Guide
1. Enlist two prayer partners. On your mission trip you will need the strength that comes from knowing that someone is praying for you before and during your trip. Ask God to bring to your mind two people whom you can ask to pray for your safety, health, effectiveness in mission and spiritual growth during the trip.
8 Creative Ways to Pray For Your Mission Trip
Help each student come up with 2-4 prayer requests for the mission trip, including both team and individual requests. Students will trace their hands on the butcher paper and write one request inside each handprint. Hang the prayer requests in a public space at your church. Also, hang multicolor markers nearby and the following directions ...
7 Ways Your Church Can Pray for Missionaries
2. Host a special prayer event. Make missionaries the focus. Organize special times of congregational prayer with a spotlight on specific missionaries whether it is a regular prayer meeting, an all-night prayer vigil, or a prayer emphasis week. 3. Write out prayers. Have members write out prayers for missionaries and then send them to them.