“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
John 17:20-23
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From our reading in John 17, it’s no surprise that Jesus desires for unity in the body of Christ. It’s not only meant to be a sign to others that we are followers of Christ, but it’s also for our own good as well! In order to run our race well, it’s imperative that we have others who are united with us who can help encourage and push us towards God’s calling. This is especially true for our fellow global workers and missionaries who are preaching the gospel to some of the least-reached people groups.
But, it is surprising and disappointing that the number one reason most missionaries leave the field is due to conflict with other missionaries. It’s not new, however. The enemy of our souls has been dividing missionary teams since Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15. Many of our missionaries work in difficult conditions that can amplify the lies of the enemy when it comes to sowing division. They are isolated in many cases. Working in areas where there are few believers and possibly no formal church, our global workers are reliant on those they do have contact with on a regular basis–whether that’s other missionaries or their supporters at home.
That’s why unity between fellow missionaries and their supporters are so important! Unity in the body acts as a safeguard against the lies of the enemy that would tell them their work is meaningless! Though we can’t physically be with our global workers on a daily basis, our prayers can cover them and strengthen them while they continue to share the gospel with the least-reached people groups all across the globe. Let
Today, as we pray for our global workers all across the globe, also take a moment to consider how you can be part of encouraging missionaries you know or that your church supports to help them feel more part of the global body of Christ. How can you show the love of God in caring for a global worker you know?
Prayer for Those Who Have Been Sent:
Almighty God, we know that your desire is that all men might hear the gospel and have a chance to know the love and forgiveness of your son, Jesus. We thank you for those who have faithfully answered the call to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus. We pray for these global workers, that all of them may be one with each other and one with us that the world may know that you and Jesus are one. We ask that they would feel connected with the body of Christ and be strengthened and empowered by his love to reflect his glory to the nations. Amen.
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If you’ve enjoyed this excerpt from our United in Prayer guide and would like to join us for our 21 Days of Prayer, we invite you, your church leaders, pastors, staff and congregation to unite with us. To access all of our resources and let us know that you are praying with us, click here: converge.org/21-days-united-in-prayer