Read
Philippians 1:1-11
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.  Verse 4 (NIV)

Reflect
The work of prayer is often understated. When we lived in Tanzania a good friend, the Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot, asked me to pray for him. His next couple of weeks were very busy and he was concerned about fatigue. I agreed to pray, which I did that night and then forgot all about it. A few days later his plane went down and he and all on board were killed. Forever after that day I was careful that if I promised to pray for someone – I held myself to that promise.

When people know that you are praying for them, nearly everyone will respond positively to your acts of concern in prayer for them. Here are a few ideas to help you be faithful in prayer.

Ask God to help you see and understand the people and the missionaries you have contact with. Pray for them and the people group they work with.

As God lays certain names or groups of people on your heart, commit to praying for them regularly.

Be sensitive to seeing them with Jesus’ eyes, taking note of what you see and experience. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment.

Humbly, simply let people, especially missionaries, know they are among the people you pray for and for the people they work with. Invite them to name more specific prayer requests.

Make sure that you find opportunities to follow up with those you pray for.

Pray
Lord, people are hungry for prayer. Open our eyes to see people, people groups and missionaries as Jesus sees them. Help us to touch others with your compassion and love. Amen.