During the months of December 2017 and January 2018 we will be praying for international missions in conjunction with the Lottie Moon Offering time. This week we’re looking at “Why Prayer Matters” (from the IMB 2017 Week of Prayer for International Missions prayer guide).
WHY PRAYER MATTERS
When it comes to praying for missionaries, International Mission Board (IMB) President David Platt said there’s one thing to keep in mind. It matters. It isn’t just a rushed or mechanical exercise, he said —”God has ordained our prayer as a means to accomplish His purpose in the world. We’ve got to be aware that our praying for boldness for missionaries is actually going to affect whether or not they have boldness. When we pray, God works.”
He offered some real and powerful ways to pray for missionaries:
PRAY they would be confident to preach God’s Word-not just to do relief work or learn culture well but also to speak truth with boldness, no matter the circumstances.
PRAY the gospel would be clear through missionaries’ lives and words and God would open hearts.
PRAY missionaries will be at peace with other believers, and Satan would not have success in attacking families, friends, and ministry partners.
PRAY for them to have joy when they suffer, kindness when they are slandered, and patience when things are hard. Pray for God to help them persevere-fighting the battle for souls is hard, but it’s worth it.
PRAY God would give them success in sharing the gospel with others and they would see disciples made and churches planted.
Watch the corresponding IMB video here.