Each week in our services, we pray together as a congregation for the individual missionaries and world mission partners that St. Philip’s supports. These include The Dufatanye Organization in Rwanda, La Gonâve Partnership in Haiti, the LAMB Institute in Honduras, medical ministries in Honduras, and Water Mission. But besides asking God to “bless these ministries,” how might we effectively pray for them?  

As we pray, let’s remember that each of these ministries is made up of individuals working together in ministry. Some are Americans or other foreign nationals serving in other countries, such as Suzy McCall in Honduras. Others are serving in their home countries, such as Godfrey Karema, who recently visited St. Philip’s with Martha Vetter. Godfrey serves in his home country of Rwanda with The Dufatanye Organization. Each ministry has staff serving as pastors, teachers, farmers, physicians––all faithfully responding to God’s call to serve Him. 

Below are some specific prayers that you may want to consider praying for our world mission partners:

1. Pray for each world mission worker’s own personal relationship with Jesus. 

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ––John 15:5 

Relying on God for all aspects of ministry is essential. Pray that every member of each of our mission partners will spend time daily with Jesus and in God’s Word, equipping them for the ministry with which they are entrusted. Pray for them to be refreshed in the Lord, to continually draw closer to Him. Pray for their faith to be bolstered and their confidence in Christ to be unshaken. Pray that they might have a daily hunger to be in the Word and in prayer.

2. Pray for boldness.

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

Missionaries and nationals working in ministry are regular people who fear pain and rejection as much as anyone else. When faced with opposition, they need God’s strength to help them stand firm. Pray for them to speak the Truth boldly, soaked with love and grace. Pray that God would use them to be an agent of change for His glory.

3. Pray for protection.

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

Many of our mission partners work in dangerous areas and in dangerous situations on a daily basis. Pray that God would provide His protection over them as they minister and keep them safe. Pray that He would keep them from the attacks of the evil one, that He would send the angel of the Lord to encamp round about them (Psalm 34:7). Pray that they would not have a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).