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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