Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Col. 4:2-4I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Rom. 15:30
(As you pray this prayer with me today, bring specific names and faces of God’s servants you know before the throne of grace.)
Dear Lord Jesus, as I read these Scriptures today, I’m convicted about how weak and sporadic my prayer life has been of late for your servants—the faithful men and women who invest their lives in the ministry of the gospel. In your sovereignty, you delight to use the prayers of your people for the advancement of the kingdom.
My great consolation is in knowing that no one is more watchful and devoted to prayer than you, Lord Jesus. You never stop praying for us. Because you pray, we can pray with great boldness, kingdom joy, and gospel confidence.
Lord Jesus, for missionaries and church planters seeking to bring the gospel to unreached people groups or to “hard soil” environments, long resistant to the Good News, open doors no one can shut. Do exceedingly beyond all we can hope or imagine. You have purchased a pan-national bride, so we pray with anticipation, not with doubt. All of history is bound up with your commitment to redeem your beloved people.
Give your servants patience, provision, and enough fruit to keep their hearts encouraged. May the gospel be clear not only through them but to them. Keep their hearts alive to your great affection and daily mercies. Shower their marriages and friendships with the gift of your real presence and fresh gospel nourishment. May they not just tell the gospel, but also show the gospel.
For your servants seeking to bring the liberating power of the gospel to places of systemic brokenness and evil, grant them protection and success. I’m thinking about the women and men who labor in arenas like human trafficking, AIDS, hunger and poverty, and other places of cruel injustice. When your servants feel most weary in doing good, give them fresh manna of gospel encouragement. Grant them favor with local authorities. Grant them good working relationships with other agencies and missions organizations. Let them know for certain that a harvest of righteousness and peace is coming.
Indeed, we praise you, Jesus, that our labors in you are never in vain, for we don’t minister for you but with you. You’re the one who is making all things new and putting all things right. Your kingdom of justice and mercy will prevail; it has come, it will come in fullness. The government of the world is already on your shoulders, and there will be no end to the increase of your redeeming reign and your healing peace. Hallelujah, many times over! So very Amen we pray in your holy and powerful name.
