At the first of every month, we publish a monthly prayer focus, which delivers specific, up-to-date ways you can pray for TEAM missionaries on the field.
Now, how many times do we say, “I’m praying for you” in response to an email or Facebook update from a missionary? When we’re honest, in the hustle and bustle of our days, we know it’s easier to say it than do it. Even during our regular prayer times, it’s hard to remember to pray for missionaries if we don’t have regular contact with them or can’t quite recall the specifics of their ministry.
If you’re looking for ways to turn missions-focused prayer into everyday prayer, here are some tangible reminders to pray for missionaries as you go about your day. And if you’re looking for ways to help children remember to pray for missions, check out this excellent blog by Wycliffe missionary Catherine Rivard that uses toys as hints.
1. Your Bible
Yes, you may pick up your Bible every day and not think much about it. But remember that someone — or most likely, a large team of people — poured thousands of hours into translating that Bible into a language or phrasing that best speaks to your heart. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to translators. So the next time you pick up your Bible, pray for missionaries who are working to translate the Bible into languages for people groups that desperately need the truth of the Scripture available in their heart language.
TEAM missionaries and local language experts work on translating the Bible for the Kwong tribe in Chad. Photo by Robert Johnson / TEAM
2. Your Morning Joe
More ministry has probably happened over a cup of coffee (or tea) than any other beverage. While brewing your coffee in the morning or waiting in line at Starbucks, pray for missionaries who serve at coffee shops, restaurants, and other business-as-mission ventures as a creative way to reach people with the Gospel. Also, pray for missionaries who develop relationships, strengthen friendships, and extend God’s grace over a cup of afternoon tea or when sharing a meal.
A TEAM missionary and a youth leader meet over a cup of coffee near Dublin, Ireland. Photo by Robert Johnson / TEAM
3. Your Favorite Sport
Some have argued that sports (especially soccer) are a larger religion than religion itself. There’s a good chance this week you will sit down to watch the NBA playoffs or your daughter’s soccer game, or you will pass a baseball diamond on your way to work. Take a moment to pray for missionaries who minister through sports, recreation and camps as an outreach to kids and families.
Kids practice their basketball skills at a TEAM-partnered sports camp in Mestre, Italy. Photo by Robert Johnson / TEAM
4. Your Tooth Brush
Tend to zone out during your nighttime routine of brushing your teeth and washing your face? As you go through it, pray for missionaries who are teaching basic hygiene and preventative healthcare to people as a means to show that God cares about their well-being.
A woman receives a basic eye exam at a clinic in Central Asia. Photo by Robert Johnson for TEAM
5. Your Phone
Studies have found that people now spend up to 4 hours per day on their smartphones. You could turn that into a lot of prayer. Choose one day, and every time you glance at your phone that day, pray for missionaries using technology, media, music and the arts in creative ways to share the Gospel.
Japan and cell phones go hand-in-hand. Photo by Robert Johnson / TEAM
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