Seven Ways to Pray for Missionaries

Deep Dive into Biblical Missions: Principles, Priorities, and Practices by Mark Tatlock and Christ Burnett - Seven Ways to Pray for MissionariesJohn Glass highlights the critical importance of prayer for missionaries, using his own experience in France as a primary example. After a church conflict left him and his wife exhausted and ready to quit, a powerful prayer session with sixteen elders lifted their burdens and renewed their strength for forty more years of ministry. Glass dispels the myth that missionaries are autonomous spiritual giants, arguing instead that they are regular people who desperately need intercession to endure the challenges of their calling.The text identifies the Apostle Paul as the model for missionary dependence. Despite his extensive qualifications, Paul consistently asked churches to pray for him, recognizing that his needs could only be met by God. Based on Paul's writings, the text outlines seven specific areas for missionary prayer. First, they need partners to commit to striving with them in prayer. Second, they need prayer for possibilities, specifically for God to open doors for the gospel that human effort cannot create. Third, supporters should pray for power, asking that missionaries receive the boldness to proclaim the mystery of Christ without fear or shame.Fourth, missionaries require protection from spiritual warfare and evil people, as Satan specifically targets leaders to hinder the gospel. Fifth, requests should be made for provision regarding their financial and material necessities. Sixth, prayer for purity is essential, as missionaries often face isolation and temptations that can lead to disqualifying sin. Finally, the text emphasizes praying for pauses, ensuring missionaries take necessary rest to avoid burnout in results-oriented cultures. The source concludes that if Paul needed such prayer, modern missionaries cannot succeed without it.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730