How to Pray for Global and Local Outreach
The Church is called to fulfill the Great Commission, which is to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Global and local outreach is a key aspect of fulfilling this commandment by spreading the gospel and sharing the love of Christ with people in our communities and around the world.
Core Christian values like love and compassion drive the Church to share the gospel. Global and local outreach allows the Church to live out these values by extending support, aid, and resources to those in need both here and abroad. It is an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love and care for everyone, regardless of nationality or background.
The Church’s efforts to be the hands and feet of Jesus can impact those being reached and the church members themselves. Outreach can lead to transforming lives, growing faith, and deeper relationships with God. When we don’t engage with the Great Commission, we miss out on the opportunity to bring people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and we don’t allow the Church to fulfill its purpose in making disciples and impacting the world.
There is power in prayer. Toni Llapushi, one of our Global Partners, said to me once, “Planting a church is like playing extreme sports; they are beautiful, but they are dangerous. When you are in church-planting ministry, you are entering a dangerous zone, and the only way to move forward is through prayer. We always ask our partners to pray, and we have seen the effect of prayer before we plant, during the planting, and after the church is planted. Without prayer, we cannot enter these difficult zones to plant and grow the church. Through prayers, churches are planted, churches are growing, and churches are changing communities wherever they are planted.”
Global and local outreach impacts the world and our communities. It also aligns with the Great Commission, enables the Church to live out its Christian values, engage in cross-cultural missions, partner with other Christian communities, and participate in humanitarian efforts. It allows the Church to have a broader impact and catalyzes positive change in the world.
Maybe God has placed a desire in your heart to pray for Global Partners or Local Partners everywhere, or maybe for one in particular. Either way, God has a great plan to use you to help complete his mission of making his name known among the nations as you participate through prayer. You can use some of these points here to get you started in prayer.
Pray for God to Open Doors
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message.”
— Colossians 4:2–3a (NIV)
Pray for the Boldness of the Gospel
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” — Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
Pray that God’s Word Will be Spread
“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NLT)
Pray for Divine Protection Global and Local Partners
“Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (NLT)
Pray for Effective Ministry
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NLT)
Pray for Safe Travel
“And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'” — Mark 16:15 (NLT)
Pray for Renewing of the Spirit
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'” — Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8
A Prayer for Global and Local Outreach
Heavenly Father, we come humbly before you, recognizing the great privilege we have as a church to be your hands and feet here on earth. We thank you for the opportunity to spread your love and message to the world, both globally and locally. We pray that you would empower us as a church to be effective in the Great Commission you gave us.
Lord, we pray for Global Partners, our brothers and sisters around the world who are working tirelessly to share your gospel. Grant them wisdom, strength, and protection as they navigate different cultures, languages, and challenges. Provide them with resources and opportunities to reach those who have never heard your name. May they be a shining light in places of darkness, bringing hope, healing, and salvation.
Father, we also lift up our efforts to reach our local community. Help us to have eyes to see the needs of the people around us and the willingness to act. Set our hearts on fire for reaching the lost, the hurting, and the marginalized in our own neighborhoods. May we be known as a church that loves unconditionally, serves sacrificially, and proclaims your truth boldly. Give us the creativity and compassion to meet people where they are and point them towards you.
Lord, please unite our church body in the Great Commission and remove any divisions or distractions that hinder our effectiveness. Help us to work together, using our unique gifts and talents, for the advancement of your kingdom. May we be a unified body, faithfully carrying out your command to make disciples of all nations.
Finally, Lord, we ask for your guidance and direction. Show us the specific areas and people you want us to focus on in our outreach efforts. Open doors of opportunity, and give us the courage to step through them. We trust that your Holy Spirit will lead and empower us to be your hands and feet in this world.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.