If you have ever met with a missionary raising support, they probably asked you to partner with them in prayer at some point during the conversation.

You may have thought, “They are supposed to ask this but what they really need is financial support.” The truth is without prayer the finances are useless.

Prayer is the most important and often the most undervalued way churches and ministry partners can support missionaries. Here are nine ways you can pray for missionaries.

1. Reliance on God

Pray missionaries will not be tempted to depend on their own strength and forget that Jesus is the one building His Church. Pray for a greater reliance upon God’s grace through regular prayer, Scripture reading, and church attendance.

2. Spiritual safety

Pray for protection from the enemy who is seeking to thwart the advancement of God’s kingdom. The evil one’s attack can take on many forms—nightmares, depression, temptation, health challenges, and even dark, supernatural occurrences.

3. Emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing

Pray God would strengthen and encourage those going through ministry or personal adversity. Pray for safety for missionaries serving in locations hostile to the gospel. Pray for healing and healthcare for missionaries suffering from any health challenges.

4. Christian community

Pray God would provide missionaries a reliable Christian support system and strong friendships both in their home country and in the country where they are serving.

5. Strong marriages and family relationships

Pray husbands and wives don’t neglect their marriage while meeting the demands of missionary life. Pray for missionary kids to grow in God’s grace and find a sense of belonging and identity even if they don’t feel like they fit in their home or host culture.

6. Contentment and companionship for single missionaries

Pray single missionaries would feel supported, valued, and understood by their team and host country. Pray for deep relationships and companionship from nationals and team members. Pray God would draw near to them during times of intense loneliness.

7. Healthy team dynamics

Pray for unity among missionary teams which can often include not only other missionaries, but also missionaries serving with partner organizations, and national partners. Pray they handle conflicts with grace, repentance, humility, and respect.

8. Cultural adjustment and sensitivity

Pray missionaries would work hard and adjust smoothly to living in a foreign culture. Pray God would provide them understanding and cultural sensitivity, an aptitude for learning the language, and an attitude of humility as they build relationships with nationals.

9. A fruitful harvest

Pray for boldness in preaching the gospel and open doors for discipleship. Pray God would provide the necessary resources for new ministry initiatives and the missionary’s work would bring glory to God and produce a bountiful harvest of disciples around the world.

The power of prayer in supporting missionaries cannot be overstated. By lifting them up in these nine areas, you’re not only providing spiritual strength, protection, and encouragement that sustains their work, but also actively participating in the Great Commission, partnering with God in His work of making disciples around the world.

Want more? Check out Mission to the World’s weekly prayer list and other prayer resources.