Across the world, from crowded cities to remote villages, missionaries carry the Gospel to places where Christ’s name is rarely spoken or known. These men and women live out the Great Commission in their everyday lives: spreading the Christian message of salvation to all people.

One of the most powerful ways to support those serving as Christ’s hands and feet is through prayer. Together, let’s explore how to pray for missionaries and how your prayers can make a real difference in their lives of service.

In this blog

• Why prayer for missionaries matters
• How to intentionally pray for missionaries 
• Scripture verses to pray over missionaries
• Ways to support missionaries beyond prayer

Why Prayer for Missionaries Matters

Missionaries serve in challenging environments—places marked by poverty, conflict, spiritual struggle or cultural barriers. Their work is beautiful, but it also comes with an array of challenges. Your prayers offer what no earthly resource can:

• strength when they feel weary
• encouragement when they cannot see the fruits of their labor
• protection in dangerous or unstable areas
• grace to keep proclaiming the Gospel with joy

Read more: Four Ways Our Catholic Missionary Work Supports the Global Church

How to Pray for a Missionary: Step-by-Step Guide

Prayer is, at its heart, a conversation with God—a moment of friendship to bring your concerns, hopes and gratitude to him. When you pray for missionaries, you join your voice with the global Church, lifting up those who serve in Christ’s name.

Here are simple yet meaningful ways to guide your prayer:

1. Thank God for his world and those who serve him

Begin by thanking the Lord for the individual or missionary group you are praying for. Ask God to give them the grace to sustain them in their vocation.

2. Ask for protection, provision and peace

Pray for their daily needs: safe travel, financial support, good health and fruitful ministry.

3. Lift up specific requests

Many missionaries share updates or personal petitions. Bring those directly to God, asking him to intercede for their specific intentions. 

4. Pray for the region where they serve

Every mission territory has unique challenges. Pray for peace in the community, openness to the Gospel and protection for all who live there.

5. Ask God how you can best support them

Sometimes God invites you to deepen your involvement through encouragement, financial support or Mass requests offered for their intentions.

Scripture for Missionaries

One of the most powerful ways to pray for missionaries is by praying Scripture over their work. These verses reflect the heart of the mission and can guide your intentions each day.

How to Support Missionaries Beyond Prayer

Prayer is the foundation of missionary work, but there are other meaningful ways to stand beside those in the mission field:

• Offer financial support to help provide basic needs, educational resources, medical supplies or pastoral outreach.
• Request a Mass for a missionary or mission community facing particular challenges.
• Share their stories with your parish or family to increase awareness and intercession.
• Support mission projects that bring clean water, healthcare or education to underserved communities.

Request a Mass on behalf of all those serving in a mission field. 

Support Those Bringing Christ to the World

Missionaries depend on the prayers and generosity of the global Church. By supporting them through tangible acts of generosity, you join in God’s mission of renewal and hope.

If you would like to pray for Divine Word Missionaries and their work around the world, join us in praying the Global Church Novena.

To further support Divine Word Missionaries and the communities they serve, consider partnering with us by making a financial gift.