LORD, Show Me How To Pray....

Earlier I blogged about the importance of praying for our missionaries. Paul said, "I thank my God every time I remember you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, because of your partnership in the gospel."

Paul saw the importance and was thankful for those prayers and those who prayed for him and his work.

I wonder if prayer is not the most important service that we can render in the spread of the Lord's Great Commission? I have read that statement someplace, and I think that it might be true.


I know the importance of praying for the daily needs of the missionary, but I also think that it is important to pray for them and their families emotional and spiritual growth and maturity.

I was reminded of this again this week when I got an e-mail from Michele.
She told us of a death in the village, and the subsequent response of the people.
It had been a hard week with the people calling in a "witch doctor" for his wisdom on the spirit of the dead man.
Michele said that Erik had spoke to the people, and had clearly presented what the Bible had to say on the subject.

Long story short the people chose to respond in their normal way by spitting on one of the villagers so as to protect her from the spirit of the dead man.

I was heavy hearted for several days for the people, and I especially sensed Michele's discouragement over the whole situation.

How could I pray for her discouragement that would not be shallow or general? I asked the Lord.
Since I love to pray the scriptures for myself and others I started digging into the Word.

Here is what I came up with on the subject of encouragement and steadfastness. I share with you the prayers that I am praying over my missionary family.

I pray Lord, that you will be an encouragement and protection for Erik and Michele.
Father God, Help them to STAND FIRM. Let nothing move them or discourage them from doing Your work, that they would always give fully and willingly to the work of the Lord, help them to know that their hard work in You is not in vain." I Corinthians 15:58

Help them to remember that what was written in earlier times was written for theirs and the people they serve instruction. So that through perseverance and the encouragement of the scriptures they might have hope. Hope for change, hope for breakthroughs in "kastum". Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant them to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.So that with one accord they may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accepting one another just as Christ also accepted all of us to the glory of God. Romans 15:4-7

Help my children to know the encouragement of Christ, and encourage them that Your righteous judgement will render to every man according to his deeds especially to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, and eternal life. Romans 2:6-7

Help them to remember that they will not overcome evil with evil, but they will overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

I ask that they would not grow weary in doing good 2Thes. 3:13, but they would be sober in all things, give them strength to endure hardship, and do the work of an evangelist, fulfilling their ministry 2 Tim. 4:5

And finally Lord, Help them to keep on fighting the good fight so that some day they can say with all certainty ,I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Help them to be comforted that if they do this that in the future there is layed up for them a crown of righteousness which You the righteous judge will award to them and all those others who have loved His appearing. 2 Tim. 5:7-8

Oh How I Love God's Word. I find that praying God's word over my family just blesses me, and I know that it is God's will for them.