Many of us know that we should share our faith in Jesus with others and support the work of spreading the gospel to all people. Our Lord commanded us to go into the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). However, we often talk about these needs and activities more than we do them. One way to help us reorient our focus while developing a heart for telling others about Christ is to pray for the gospel's spread.
For the next five days, we will look at ways to pray for more people to hear the good news. This guide will include information and Bible verses to fuel our prayers. As we support the work of evangelization and discipleship through intercession, may we also be open to the work God does in our hearts. We just might find an increased passion for reaching others with the gospel, both far and near.
Day 1: Unreached Areas
In missiological terms, an unreached area refers to a place that has little to no access to the gospel. The people groups who live in these areas do not know the truth about Jesus and have difficulty learning about Him because of a lack of Christian presence and access to Scripture. Most of the unreached areas and people groups in the world today are found in what is called the 10/40 Window, which corresponds to an area on a map encompassing Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This area is also home to major world religions, including Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Since Jesus told us to make disciples of all nations, this includes people groups across the world that have not yet heard the gospel (Matthew 28:19). We must pray for the spread of the gospel in unreached areas and among unreached peoples so that more will experience the joy of knowing Jesus.
Let us remember this Bible verse as we pray: “After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9, NIV). Although the task seems daunting, we can trust that in eternity, there will be countless people, including those from the 10/40 window, who will worship Jesus as Lord.
Key Prayer Points:
- Pray for more Christians to go to unreached areas to evangelize, disciple, train leaders, and support the creation of indigenous churches.
- Pray for the translation of the Bible into the languages of the numerous unreached people groups.
- Pray that new believers would grow in their faith and stand firm despite opposition and persecution.
Lord, we pray that You will send believers to the people who live in unreached areas to share with them the life-changing news of the gospel. May you shine Your light on those who are trapped in spiritual bondage and darkness, working in them to prepare their hearts to respond to the message of Your death and resurrection. We look forward to the day when people from all nations and languages worship You. For You are worthy of all praise and glory. Amen.
For further resources about praying for specific people groups or areas, see Joshua Project and Operation World.
Day 2: People Impacted by Disaster and Unrest
People across the world have experienced the outbreak of a pandemic, wars, and natural disasters. Events like COVID-19 and the Israel-Hamas war have brought widespread suffering and death. Other disasters, like hurricanes, earthquakes, and food shortages, have left many people without hope.
Those experiencing disaster and unrest often feel as if their lives have been shattered. Everything seems uncertain, and all they see is a frightening world around them. Our Savior wants to bring healing and new life to those experiencing tragedy and suffering. He suffered most of all to die for our sins so we could receive salvation and abundant life that never ends. To those facing uncertainty, Jesus offers hope.
We can pray for these people to experience physical and emotional healing, as well as spiritual renewal in Christ. He is not indifferent to the troubles people face but cares about the pain and suffering in the world (Hebrews 4:15). As the Bible reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NIV).
Key Prayer Points:
- Pray for those affected by the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war and that many would find hope in Jesus.
- Raise in prayer those who have suffered from the many natural disasters that have happened in the past few years, such as the earthquakes in Türkiye and the floods in Peru and Kenya.
- Ask the Lord to bring peace to the unrest in Haiti and Sudan, praying for many to encounter the Prince of Peace.
There is so much suffering in the world, Father. The pain and violence we see on the news and internet each day is overwhelming and heartbreaking. We pray that You would provide physical and emotional healing to those affected by these disasters, wars, and unrest. Breathe hope into those who feel hopeless. May they learn about the new life that can be found in Your Son. We pray for and anticipate Your coming Kingdom when death, sorrow, and suffering will end. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Day 3: Praying for Refugees and Immigrants
Today, there are 117.3 million forcibly displaced people in the world, according to the UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. This number includes numerous refugees. To escape desperate and violent situations, these individuals have been forced to flee their native countries and homes.
In addition to refugees, there are many asylum seekers and immigrants found in a variety of countries. Asylum seekers have left their homes and are trying to gain protection from other countries to escape violence and persecution. Unlike refugees and asylum seekers, immigrants choose to move away from their homes but often are seeking better lives.
People in the West, including Christians, sometimes have negative views of refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. Especially in America, politics are divided over the issue of immigration and foreign policy.
Followers of Jesus are meant to obey the Bible, which means we should not treat people who have been made in the image of God as mere political issues (Genesis 1:27). Scripture tells us to help and care for the alien, foreigner and stranger (see Leviticus 19:33-34; Jeremiah 22:3; Matthew 25:35-40). Also, many refugees come from unreached areas. Therefore, caring for those who have been displaced or have immigrated is an opportunity to show the love of Christ and share the gospel.
Key Prayer Points:
- Pray for the safety of those who are fleeing dangerous situations.
- Ask the Lord to send more Christians into service among refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, locally and abroad. A believer’s gospel witness can dramatically change the lives of those who have moved or been displaced.
- Pray that more Christians will open their hearts to the plight of refugees and others.
- Ask that those who have left their homes, either forcefully or out of choice, would find shelter in Him, for “The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked” (Psalm 146:9, NLT).
You were a refugee when You and Your family fled from Herod’s murderous plans. Lord, we pray for those near and far who have fled or left their homes. Grant them safety on their journey and help them find their true home in You. Open our hearts to love others, even those who may seem different from us. Amen.
For more resources about refugees and prayers for displaced people, consider visiting the websites of World Relief or Tearfund.
Day 4: Local Ministries
Jesus told His disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV). He wants us to bear witness to His grace no matter where we are, whether across the globe or at home. As disciples of Jesus, we should support missionary work and global ministries as well as local ministries. Many organizations are working to bring the good news into the cities and communities in which we live.
Local ministries and churches need our prayers because they are engaged in gospel and discipleship work. At some point, they will face spiritual opposition. Believers need to be ready to pray for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who spread the gospel and serve those in need (Ephesians 6:18).
Key Prayer Points:
- Consider making a prayer list of local ministries that have a biblical, Christ-centered mission. Commit to regularly praying for these organizations as they spread the gospel, disciple new believers, and serve those in need.
- Pray for your local church. Ask that the pastor and members develop a passion for making Christ known at home and in the world.
- Pray for the protection of local ministries against spiritual attacks and opposition.
Savior God, we pray that You would bless the efforts of our churches and local ministries that work to spread the gospel. Give those who serve the boldness to share the truth with others in love. May they not be afraid to speak Your Name, for there is no other Name by which we can be saved. In Your name, we pray, amen.
Day 5: Family, Friends, and Neighbors
We all likely know people who have not yet placed faith in Jesus. These individuals might be family members, coworkers, or close friends. Some of them could identify as a member of a certain religion or claim they have no spiritual beliefs. Regardless, they need Jesus in their lives.
People in our culture often assume they can believe any way they choose and still go to heaven when they die. Although this is a common belief in society, the Bible teaches otherwise. There is only one way to heaven. As Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV). Many individuals may think this is narrow-minded. However, no one can save us except Jesus (Acts 4:12).
Since we love our friends, family, and neighbors, we naturally want them to place faith in Jesus. To do so, they must hear the gospel, understand it, and choose to trust in Christ for salvation (Romans 10:14-15). We might not be able to control their responses to the gospel, but we can pray for them.
Key Prayer Points:
- Pray for God to work in the lives of our loved ones, preparing their hearts and minds for responding to the gospel.
- Ask the Lord for opportunities to talk to others about your faith in Christ.
- Pray that friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers would see their need for salvation and seek out the truth.
Lord, we know that You desire none to perish but all to come to repentance. Please help our loved ones to see their need for You. Work in their lives so that their hearts may become soft soil for the sowing of gospel seeds. Grant us opportunities to share the good news with those around us, giving us the courage to speak about our faith. In all this, may You be glorified. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Over the past five days, we have prayed for more people to hear the good news of Jesus. As we continue to pray for those far and near, may we remember our purpose as disciples. Let us not only pray for the spread of the gospel but also work to tell others about our hope in Christ.
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