How Can We Pray?

With this month's newsletter VOM invited readers to adopt a front-line worker by agreeing to pray regularly for that person for a minimum of one year. (If you didn't receive the newsletter, you can sign up for a worker here.)

We know "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much," (James 5:16), but sometimes it is hard to know how to pray. What should we ask God to do for these workers ministering on the front lines in hostile and restricted nations?

Here are ten ideas to help you pray effectively for your front-line worker:

1. Pray that the Lord provides opportunities for your worker to share the gospel.
2. Pray that the Lord prepares the hearts of those who will hear the gospel.
3. Ask for favor among those to whom your worker is ministering.
4. Ask that ministry activities will remain unseen by potential persecutors.
5. Pray that your worker will be refreshed and strengthened in God’s Word daily.
6. Pray for peace in your worker’s heart when traveling to especially difficult areas.
7. Pray for boldness and courage as your worker carries out kingdom work.
8. Pray for your worker’s family members, as they often face long periods of separation.
9. Pray that your worker will be encouraged, knowing that you are praying for him or her.
10. Pray that your worker will have a real sense of the presence of God. 

YOUR TURN: What would you add to this list? In the comments to this post, share your additional ideas of ways to pray for Christian workers in hostile and restricted nations.