Episcopal Diocese of Albany

Business Office: 68 South Swan Street - Albany, NY 12210 - (518) 465-4737
Christ the King Spiritual Life Center: 575 Burton Road - Greenwich, NY 12834 - (518) 692-9550

Things to Consider When Praying for Missionaries At Home and Abroad

Time: Missionaries need to know how to spend it as God wants them to. Many missions are set in places of tremendous need. It is hard to say "no" to someone in need, but it is impossible to say "yes" to everyone.

Quiet Time: They need their private devotional time. It is easy for them to empty themselves in service to others, and they need to be refilled. They need to "be still and know that I am God."

Food: They need grace "to eat such things as are set before you." (Luke 10:8) Some foods are not very appealing, and some offer no nutritional value, but it may be all that is available.

Loneliness: Many live where people do not understand God's purpose in the missionary's life. Pray that they might find like-spirited people with whom to share their experiences.

Customs: They need discernment to understand what is a custom that they should accept, and what is sin, against which they must preach.

Language: Prayer can help them master a language.

Cross-Cultural living: This calls for major adjustments for the whole family, both short and long term.

Health: They need protection from hazards of ill health.

Medical Facilities: Pray that God will make adequate medical facilities available as needed.

Danger: They need God's protection. Many people do not understand that a missionary has only good will to offer.

Spiritual Warfare: The devil prowls around like a roaring lion... (1Peter 5:8)

Family Decisions: They face constant decisions regarding the welfare of their families, especially concerning health and education.

Overall Contentment : The missionaries must stay consecrated and "in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1Th 5:18)

Transportation: Pray that it will be available as needed. Roads can be treacherous, and vehicles break down often.

Sleep: Pray that they will be refreshed from quality sleep. (Ps 4:8)

Place of Service: Pray that God will give oneness of spirit to both the missionary and the Mission Board.

Waiting for results: Pray that after the missionaries pray and sow seed, "patience may have her perfect work. (James 1:4)

Growth of Converts: They need prayer as they disciple new converts.

Discipline of the Church: Pray that missionaries may be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves," (Mt 10:16) as they guide and govern young churches. Any problems that may be in your church may be found in any church in any country.

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