What Should I Pray?
Part two: Pray for the Specifics of the Mission Trip
Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Prayer is an important aspect of our lives. Prayer is not only a way to communicate with God, but it is also a way to cover all that is involved in our lives. With the many facets of a mission trip, prayer is a key element to assist us beyond what we can do on our own.
The AIM article, “What Should I Pray? – Part one,”dealt with praying for individuals associated with missions. It gave suggestions of five areas to pray on behalf of those a part of missions. Along with praying for the individual, prayers can address the specifics of the mission trip. There is more to the trip than packing a bag and getting on a plane. Even with that example, there needs to be knowledge of exactly what to take, depending on when, where and for whom you’ll be serving. Arrangements and coordination have to be implemented; the planning and preparation of the trip, beginning to the end, must take place. Everything needs to be covered in prayer.
Pray for Mission Specifics
The following suggestions are four areas that can be lifted in prayer regarding details of a mission trip.
Pray for the travel arrangements
There will be different modes of transportation the team members will take while on the mission trip. The availability, function and operation of the plane, car, van, truck, bus or whatever is utilized needs to be covered in prayer. The atmosphere and terrain may pose challenges. Permissions, customs, legal papers and documents are items that need to be in order. “Dear Gracious Father, thank you for Your provision and making ways for the team to travel. Grant favor with all they come in contact with. Cover every form of transportation with Your divine protection and safety. Go before them and prepare their way. Let there be no mishaps, malfunctions or miscommunications. Allow all paperwork to be complete and properly handled. Keep Your hand upon them as they travel throughout.”
Pray for the logistics
Arrangements have to be made ahead of time for things like food, lodging, supplies, clinic sites and equipment. The plan to have a translator to help with communications is invaluable in a country where another language is spoken. Time and agenda have to be addressed for the right flow of events. “Lord Father, You are an awesome provider. You know the very details of what is needed for the team’s successful mission. Keep order in the midst of every arrangement. Cause everything to align with Your plan and purpose. Bless the organization, management, coordination, materials, resources and execution to go forth flawlessly. Allow your grace and mercy to flow over the team from point of origin to the point of destination; back to the point of origin.”
Pray for the impact
One of the goals of the mission trip is to make such an impact on the people that lives are changed for the better. The team needs to be trusted and accepted by those they serve. There is a desire to see the influence of the work and relationships in the day-to-day administration. “Dear Lord God Almighty, let the team have favor with the people and the governing bodies of the country they visit. Let their presence be known by the love, care and genuineness for the people they serve. Gracious Father, shine through their faces and work through their hands. Help them reach the masses. Let lives be transformed and minds opened to the truth of the love of Jesus. Let there be an eternal impact for the glory of God and for the good of the people.”
Pray for the outcomes
There are so many goals to achieve, but not enough time or resource to reach them all. Leaving a lasting impression and noticeable differences as a result of the team’s visit is the experience hoped for. Supplies in place, bodies healed, healthy practices adopted, knowledge imparted, learning established, optimism shared are positive accomplishments of a successful mission trip. “Wonderful Heavenly Father, You make good things possible in tough situations. Release Your hand of great power over the workings and sacrifices of the team. Bless their efforts to have lasting effects upon all they were able to serve and minister to.”
There is so much to be shared in conversation with God, Our Father, on behalf of others. So much that can be lifted up to Him in prayer that deals with the specifics of a mission trip. The four areas listed above are only a small number of what can be presented in prayer. Read through the suggestions allowing additional thoughts to come to mind for even more coverage over mission teams. The sacrifice of service abroad can be challenging, yet very rewarding. Planned well and managed wisely, the specifics of the trip can go quite proficiently. But as most know, there are things in life that happen unexpectedly. What better way to safeguard and troubleshoot than to pray for the details.
Isaiah 45:2 – “I will go before thee and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron.”
Nothing is too much or too hard for God to take care of.
Pray, pray and pray some more!!