PRAYING FOR MISSIONARIES
I. Pray for an open door.
A. Paul asked the Colossians to pray for an open door for him (4:3).
1. A door was opened for him in Ephesus (I Cor. 16:9).
2. A door was also opened in Troas (2 Cor. 2:12).
B. He also asked for the brethren to pray that he speak the gospel boldly (Eph. 6:19,20).
C. If the greatest missionary who ever lived needed prayer for open doors and boldness how much more do missionaries today?
II. Pray for general needs.
A. It is always good to pray for specific needs, but general needs are also necessary.
1. "Brethren, pray for us" Paul asked the Thessalonians (I Thes. 5:25).
2. He also asked them to pray that the "Word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified" (2 Thes. 3:1).
B. Missionaries have basic needs like all people.
1. They need strength to overcome temptation and courage to face difficult situations.
2. They also need guidance and wisdom in rearing children.
III. Pray for deliverance.
A. Missionaries need deliverance from enemies of the gospel.
1. Paul faced problems in Asia (2 Cor. 1:8).
2. Paul had others preach the gospel while he was in prison to make things worse for him (Phil. 1:15-18).
3. Paul faced numerous trials and persecution (2 Cor. 11:23- 28)
B. Missionaries need prayers of protection more than ever before. (Can you name a country missionaries are persecuted?)
IV. Pray for more laborers.
A. Jesus told His disciples to pray for laborers (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2).
B. The harvest is ripe and we need to pray for more laborers.
V. We are all missionaries.
A. We are all ambassadors for the Lord (2 Cor. 5:20).
B. We were all given the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19,20).
C. We should pray for ourselves.
1. Pray for open doors.
2. Pray for boldness to share the gospel.
D. Pray the same for others.
E. Church theme: "Building the church through evangelism."