What if your prayers could change the world?

Imagine a village where, for the first time, people are hearing God’s Word in their own language. A missionary is sharing the gospel with someone who has never encountered Christ before. These moments don’t just happen — they are fueled by prayer.

Prayer is not just a support role in Bible translation and missions; it is an active and essential part of God’s work. When we pray, we join God in His mission to bring Scripture to every language and people group.

As you pray for missionaries and Bible translation efforts, here are seven key ways to intercede effectively:

1. Pray for Open Doors

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message … — Colossians 4:2-3 (NIV)

Open doors can’t be taken for granted. Many missionaries work within cultures and contexts that are in areas that are resistant to the gospel. But open doors include more than just access to nations and people groups. Individuals’ hearts also need to be open and receptive to God’s truth.

Pray …

• That God will open doors of ministry, blessing partnerships and friendships.


• That those who serve will be led by the Holy Spirit and recognize open‑door opportunities.


• That God will lead His people past barriers to hearts ready to receive His Word.

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 (NIV)

Missionaries 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 …

• That the Holy Spirit will provide missionaries with words that communicate effectively in other cultures and languages.


• That they will have boldness to overcome the fear of embarrassment or failure.


• Against evil forces that would seek to hinder the spread of the gospel.

3. Pray That God’s Word Will Spread

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. — 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NLT)

Obstacles must be removed to allow God’s Word to spread rapidly and freely, and missionaries need the strength to continue on in the face of opposition or difficulties. Just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ arms in the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:12), you can strengthen the arms of missionaries by supporting them through your prayers.

Pray …

• For strength and stamina as missionaries encounter antagonistic spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:10-18).


• That people will resist Satan’s plans to obstruct the spread of the gospel (James 4:7).


• That God’s Word will indeed spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes.

4. Pray for Protection

Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. — 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (NLT)

In some cultures or contexts, missionaries may be exposed to the possibility of danger and personal harm. Opposition to the gospel may include hatred and violence.

Pray …

• That God will keep missionaries safe.


• That God will change the hearts of those who are resistant to His Word.


• For wisdom and discernment in challenging situations.

5. Pray for Effective Ministry

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NLT)

It’s important to rely on God for all aspects of ministry — especially during times of great difficulty, so that efforts will produce fruit and ultimately a harvest will be gathered.

Pray …

• That God will provide strength and perseverance to missionaries when their ministries seem to be fruitless.


• That seeds will be planted and that missionaries would be able to see the fruits of their labor.


• That an abundant harvest will be produced as more people learn about the love of Christ.

6. Pray for Travel

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” — Mark 16:15 (NLT)

Many missionaries travel frequently, both nationally and internationally. Their modes of transportation may vary from airplanes to buses, to canoes and motorbikes, and everything in between.

Pray …

• That missionaries will be granted required permissions (visas and passports) to travel and that they will have the necessary funds for tickets and fees.


• For protection and provision during travel.


• For God’s grace and favor when challenges or obstacles appear on any journey.

7. Pray for Refreshment

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Missionaries deal with many of the same stresses you face in life, like overwhelming workloads, conflicts in relationships and financial uncertainties. Often, however, missionaries struggle with these issues alone, without the fellowship and support of other Christians. Living and working cross-culturally adds an additional element that can challenge their emotional, spiritual and physical vitality.

Pray …

• That God will provide opportunities for missionaries in isolated areas to spend time with other believers.


• That God will provide times of peace and relaxation to refresh His workers.


• For restoration — physical, mental, emotional and spiritual — that can only be found in Jesus.

Your Prayers Make a Difference

Every prayer you offer strengthens missionaries, opens doors for the gospel and brings Scripture into the hands of those still waiting. Perhaps God has placed a specific missionary, people group or Bible translation project on your heart. However He leads you, know that your prayers are vital to His work around the world.

But prayer is just the beginning. You can also engage by learning about ongoing Bible translation projects, supporting missionaries financially or advocating for the need for Scripture in every language.

Let’s see lives transformed together.

Pray With Us

God is doing amazing things around the world, and you can be a part of seeing people encounter Him through Scripture in a language and format they clearly understand.

Join the work by praying with us and exploring more resources to deepen your engagement in prayer for Bible translation and missionaries worldwide.

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