“We will only advance in our evangelistic work as fast and as far as we advance on our knees.” -Alan Redpath
Prayer has always been a crucial element of missions; this is true with or without a pandemic. But in a crisis, people seem to fall to their knees faster.
In prayer, it is always helpful to know specific needs and desires to know what requests to lift up to God. At East-West, missionaries and national partners are seeing first-hand what the needs are in the mission field.
Here are four global prayer requests to help support the mission:
Gospel opportunities
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” -Acts 20:24
Missionaries around the world are seeing a rare and welcoming openness to the gospel like never before. As the pandemic leads many to fear and confusion, people are beginning to question their beliefs. This opens the door for spiritual conversations with those previously closed off to the gospel.
Pray that believers everywhere would be presented with opportunities to share the gospel in this unique time. Pray that the hearts of nonbelievers would be softened to the truth of Jesus and His saving work on the cross.
Economic provision
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” -Psalm 73:26
The economic blow of the pandemic does not discriminate. Believers and nonbelievers from every continent have experienced job losses, furloughs, or lost wages. Businesses have shut down, and lockdown restrictions prevent some from being able to go to work. Many families rely on their income to buy food for the day.
Pray that God would provide sustenance for those who have lost a job or wages. Pray that those who have plenty would be generous and share with those who are lacking. Even generosity can display the love of Christ.
Protection for the vulnerable
“He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.” -Psalm 72:13
Some countries lack easy access to health care. People in some African and Asian nations, for instance, would need to travel hours to get to the nearest hospital. These communities may also lack basic hygiene tools, such as a sink with running water to wash hands.
Pray that these communities would be protected from COVID-19. Pray for healing for those who are sick and cannot receive treatment.
Encouragement for believers
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” -Lamentations 3:25-26
Many short-term mission trips have been postponed. Cities are under lockdown. Church services are canceled or have been moved online. For the believer, it can seem like one roadblock after another when it comes to staying on mission. Christians globally may lose heart during this season of waiting and need to be lifted up.
Pray that the hearts of believers would be strengthened and that the desire to stay on mission would be strong. Pray that those whose plans for mission have been postponed would remain encouraged and motivated to go once it is safe to do so.