A Prayer for Mission Trips and Serving Away from Home
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15).
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Mission work has been a passion of mine since my second year of college. Part of being involved in mission work means studying various people groups, their culture, and their beliefs. Far too many people believe that mission work is simply traveling somewhere else, preaching the gospel, and then returning home. But there is so much more involved with mission work.
True mission work occurs when an individual travels overseas to a place where the Lord is not widely known or believed in, the gospel is shared through daily life, and a local believer is equipped to become the pastor of a church, continuing to shepherd the people. Missionaries travel to an unreached destination, become truly involved with the local people, and connect with individuals on a deep level. Following Paul’s missionary outline is an excellent teaching to adhere to as he lived among the people and helped them understand Jesus in their own unique way (Acts 17:23, 1 Corinthians 9:20-22).
Perhaps you are working towards becoming a missionary, or you know someone who will soon be leaving for the mission field. The good news is that you or your loved one is not without guidance. The Lord goes before you and your loved ones, and you can cover one another with prayer.
Praying before a missionary leaves for the field can be extremely helpful and ensure they stand up under any spiritual attacks. Unfortunately, before someone leaves on a mission trip, they will face much spiritual opposition from Satan and his demons. Praying for missionaries as they prepare for their mission trip and continuing to pray for them while they are on the mission field can help them take a stand against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).
When you pray for upcoming mission trips, also pray that the missionaries will illuminate Christ in their lives, so that they can truly love the people they meet as God instructs. Individuals should be passionate about the culture of the people and be respectful of it. Pray for the missionaries to humble themselves and allow God to lift them in due time (James 4:10).
The Bible tells us, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15). These statements help us to know that God will watch over and stay with us, no matter where we are.
Therefore, when our loved ones go on the mission field, we need to remember God is with them. He will never leave them or forsake them (Hebrews 13:5). There is no reason to fear or to be worried about what is ahead. All we need to do is focus on covering the missionaries in prayer.
Let’s Pray:
Dear God, my loved ones are going to be embarking on a mission trip very soon, and they will be serving You overseas. They will be very far from home, which means they won’t be familiar with the people or culture there. Please help them take the steps that they need ahead of time to ensure that they learn about the culture, and they show respect and love to the people when they get there. Help them to shine the light of You to the lost world.
I also ask that You protect them from the attacks of the devil and his demons. I praise You that You are with them wherever they go and that You watch over me, too. This gives me bravery and courage to face the future. Thank You for everything.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/ipopba
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Saturday, 10 January 2026.
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