Slavic Missionary Service

God wants all believers to know His will in their daily lives. Pray especially for young people who are seeking God's plan for their lives. May they be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). As they seek to serve the Lord in different vocations, pray that they will "put on the whole armor of God" and that they "may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).

Prayer is communion and cooperation with God. Effectual intercessors at the Slavic Missionary Service home base are necessary in order for the national missionaries to reach full fruition in their work for God. Prayer not only prepares the missionary for service but also provides power for that service. "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified" (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

Praying without preaching can never carry out the missionary task, nor can peaching without praying. If we do not go in person, then we must go in prayer. We must assist those who are preaching and teaching God's Word in foreign lands. "You also joining in helping us through your prayers" (2 Corinthians 1:11).

Prayer is not only an aid to preaching but is coequal in importance. Prayer helps us to appear before God on behalf of men to plead for their salvation; whereas, preaching helps us to appear before men on behalf of God to proclaim His Word and implore acceptance of its truth. "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4).

“Men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1). Jesus prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21-22), after healing the multitudes (Luke 5:1-16), when choosing the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12), at the grave of Lazarus (John 11:41-42), on the mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-29), for Peter after His boasting (Luke 22:32), in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-44) and on the cross of Calvary (Luke 23:34, 46). He could not live without regular communion with His Father.

Prayer was essential in order to replenish the spiritual power that was spent on others. “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35). Prayer also strengthened Jesus to accomplish His task of salvation. “In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence” (Hebrews 5:7).

Therefore, let us pray for the national workers of Slavic Missionary Service. In every area of service, prayer is needed to gain victory and to grow. “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Pray that the faith of the foreign missionaries will grow to combat any circumstance or conflict. Pray that their families will grow to cherish each other with love and understanding. And pray that their field of ministry will grow in order to challenge, encourage and care for the flock of God.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

With a heart of compassion, pray for the salvation of souls on each of the continents of the world. Pray that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will spread to the seven billion people throughout the world. "The Lord… is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Ask God to strengthen you to be a witness for Him wherever you are and in whatever you do!