Prayers for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

1. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

Psalm 91:4 (NIV)

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up Your precious missionaries and their families to You today. We pray for their physical safety and spiritual well-being as they serve in challenging lands. Just as a mother hen gathers her chicks, we ask You to cover them with Your mighty wings of protection, Lord. May they constantly feel Your comforting presence surrounding them, a constant reminder of Your unwavering care. We trust in Your divine power to shield them from all harm.

Lord Jesus, You taught us about the Father’s loving care, comparing it to a shepherd protecting his sheep. We pray that You, the Good Shepherd, would guard Your servants from all hidden dangers and visible threats. Be their refuge in times of trouble, their strong tower in moments of fear. Uphold them with Your righteous right hand, preventing any evil from drawing near to them. May Your faithfulness be their constant shield against every adversary.

We specifically ask for protection over their minds and hearts, guarding them from discouragement, loneliness, and spiritual attacks. Just as You rebuked the storm, calm every tempest that seeks to assail their peace. Let Your Holy Spirit fill them with courage and discernment in every situation they face. Enable them to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy, confident in Your overcoming power. Your presence is their ultimate security.

Protect their families, both those on the field with them and those who remain at home. Keep their children safe, healthy, and growing in grace, Lord. Surround their spouses with Your love and strength, alleviating any anxieties they may carry. May all family members experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding. We pray for unity and resilience within each missionary family unit.

We place them entirely into Your faithful hands, knowing that You are their ultimate protector. Thank You for Your promise to be with them always, just as You promised Your disciples. May their lives be a testament to Your unfailing love and mighty protection. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Protector, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Psalm 91:4 paints a beautiful picture of God’s intimate and powerful protection, likening Him to a bird covering its young. It emphasizes that under His “wings,” we find refuge, and His “faithfulness” acts as a shield. This verse reassures us that God is actively involved in safeguarding those who trust in Him, offering both a safe haven and a strong defense against dangers.

This prayer acknowledges God’s loving guardianship over missionaries and their families. It draws on the imagery of God’s protective wings and His faithfulness as a shield, directly referencing the verse. It integrates Jesus’ teachings about the Good Shepherd’s care and His calming of storms, asking for spiritual, emotional, and physical protection, extending it to their families, reminding us that Jesus is our ever-present protector.

2. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

Prayer:

Almighty God, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your unwavering faithfulness to Your servants. We pray specifically for missionaries and their families, who are often on the front lines of spiritual warfare. We declare Your promise that You are faithful and will strengthen them in their calling. Empower them with divine energy for every task and challenge they encounter. Let Your supernatural strength sustain them through all weariness and hardship.

Lord Jesus, You faced temptation in the wilderness and triumphed over the evil one through the power of God’s Word. We ask that You would protect Your missionaries from every assault of the enemy, visible and invisible. Guard their minds against deceptive thoughts and their spirits from oppression. Shield them from all forms of spiritual attack, whether through discouragement, division, or despair. May they stand firm in the victory You secured on the cross.

We pray for their protection from physical harm and malicious intentions of wicked people. Just as You commanded the winds and waves, we pray You would command circumstances for their safety. Disarm those who seek to cause them harm and thwart every evil plan against them. Let Your mighty hand be a hedge of protection around their homes, their ministries, and their travel routes. May Your presence be a terror to every opposing force.

Extend this divine protection to their children and spouses, wherever they may be serving. Shield them from sickness, accidents, and any form of distress. Imbue their families with a sense of peace and security, knowing Your eye is constantly upon them. Help them to rest in the assurance that Your faithfulness never falters, even in the most challenging environments. Keep them united in spirit and purpose, strong in Your love.

We trust implicitly in Your promise, Lord, that You will protect them from the evil one. May they serve with boldness and confidence, knowing their Defender is mighty. We thank You for Your constant vigilance and unfailing love towards them. In the powerful name of Jesus, who conquered all evil, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

2 Thessalonians 3:3 is a profound assurance of God’s character and power. It declares God’s faithfulness and His commitment to strengthen believers and protect them specifically from “the evil one.” This verse is particularly relevant for those engaged in spiritual ministry, acknowledging the reality of spiritual opposition but affirming God’s superior power to safeguard His own.

This prayer leans heavily on the promise of God’s faithfulness and His protective power against spiritual attacks. It integrates Jesus’ victory over temptation as an example of overcoming evil, asking for similar divine protection for missionaries. It covers spiritual, mental, and physical protection, extending this to their families, reinforcing the belief that God is actively strengthening and protecting them in all circumstances.

3. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Prayer:

Merciful Father, we lift up Your dedicated missionaries and their families, who often face daunting circumstances and potential dangers. We pray that they would hear Your comforting voice, Lord, whispering “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Banish all anxiety and apprehension from their hearts and minds today. Let Your divine presence be so palpable that all earthly fears dissipate before it. May they deeply know that You are always beside them.

Lord Jesus, You calmed the storm with a word, demonstrating Your power over fear and chaos. We ask You to calm any storms of fear or dismay that might arise in the lives of Your missionaries. Strengthen their inner beings with Your unfailing courage and peace. Help them to fix their eyes on You, knowing that You are their anchor in turbulent times. Empower them to serve boldly, unhindered by any trepidation.

We pray specifically for You to be their God in every situation, providing all they need. When they feel weak, we ask You to strengthen them with Your supernatural might. When they are overwhelmed, please help them carry their burdens, Lord. Uphold them with Your righteous right hand, preventing them from stumbling or falling. Let them feel Your steadying grip in every step of their journey.

Extend this promise of strength and help to their precious families, whether on the mission field or at home. Guard their minds against worry and their spirits against discouragement. Provide them with peace that transcends all understanding, even amidst uncertainties. Help them to trust in Your loving care, knowing that You are watching over them constantly. May their faith remain unwavering in Your sovereign plan.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for being their ever-present help and strength. May Your unwavering presence infuse them with confidence and joy in their service. We trust that You will never leave them nor forsake them, upholding them by Your power. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and unwavering Helper, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Isaiah 41:10 is a powerful declaration of God’s presence, power, and promise to His people. It directly addresses fear and dismay, offering reassurance with the threefold promise: “I am with you,” “I am your God,” and “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you.” This verse provides immense comfort and courage, affirming God’s active support in times of weakness.

This prayer directly applies Isaiah 41:10 to missionaries and their families, addressing the fears and challenges they might face. It incorporates Jesus’ example of calming storms to illustrate divine power over fear. The prayer emphasizes God’s constant presence, His strengthening power, and His upholding hand, praying for these qualities to be evident in the lives of His servants and their families, ensuring their courage and peace.

4. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Prayer:

Our Gracious God, we recognize that our missionaries and their families are engaged in a profound spiritual battle daily. We pray that You would equip them fully with Your divine protection, the full armor of God. Enable them to consciously put on the belt of truth, so deception finds no foothold in their lives. May their every thought and action be founded upon Your unchanging Word, Lord. We ask that Your truth will be their constant guide.

Lord Jesus, You perfectly embodied truth and righteousness, resisting every lie of the enemy. We pray that Your missionaries would wear the breastplate of righteousness, guarding their hearts from sin and compromise. Protect them from guilt and shame, empowering them to live blameless lives before You. Let Your own righteousness cover them completely, providing impenetrable defense. Fill them with a passion for justice and integrity in all their dealings.

We ask, Father, that their feet would be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Empower them to walk boldly into difficult situations, sharing Your message with confidence and clarity. Protect their paths from stumbling blocks and lead them away from harm. May they always bring Your peace wherever they go, even in conflict zones. Let their steps be ordered by Your divine purpose, Lord.

Above all, we pray for them to take up the shield of faith, with which they can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Strengthen their faith to be unshakeable, even amidst trials and doubts. Help them to discern and resist every deceptive scheme directed against them. Just as You rebuked Satan, grant them authority over every demonic influence. May their faith be a powerful defense, dear Lord.

Finally, we pray for them to wear the helmet of salvation and wield the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Protect their minds with the assurance of their salvation in Christ Jesus. Empower them to speak Your Word with authority and precision against every spiritual attack. May they stand firm against every scheme of the devil, victorious in Your strength. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Ephesians 6:11 introduces the vital concept of the “full armor of God,” a spiritual metaphor for the divine provisions that enable believers to stand firm against spiritual opposition. It emphasizes preparation and reliance on God’s strength to withstand the “devil’s schemes.” Each piece of armor represents a spiritual truth or practice essential for protection in spiritual warfare.

This prayer systematically applies each piece of the armor of God to the missionaries and their families, praying for specific spiritual protection. It weaves in Jesus’ example of perfectly embodying truth and resisting temptation, highlighting His victory as the model for their stand. The prayer emphasizes active engagement in spiritual warfare, seeking God’s empowerment for every facet of their defense, so they can effectively resist the enemy.

5. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we bring before You the hearts and minds of missionaries and their families, who often live with significant challenges and uncertainties. We ask for Your divine peace, the kind that surpasses all human understanding, to flood their inner beings. Guard their hearts from fear, anxiety, and despair that can arise from difficult circumstances. Let Your perfect tranquility settle deep within their souls.

Lord Jesus, You promised Your disciples Your own peace, not as the world gives, but a lasting, profound peace. We pray that this very peace would guard their minds from overwhelming worries and negative thoughts. Silence the voices of doubt and discouragement that may attempt to derail their focus. Fill their thoughts with Your truth, Your hope, and Your unwavering love. May their minds be a sanctuary of Your presence.

We specifically pray for the protection of their emotional well-being amidst the stresses of cross-cultural living and ministry. Shield them from loneliness, homesickness, and feelings of isolation. Bring them supportive relationships and genuine fellowship wherever they are serving. Restore their joy daily and renew their strength for the journey ahead. Let Your comforting Spirit be their constant companion.

For the families, whether on the field or separated, we ask for this same profound peace to prevail. Guard the hearts of children from fear or resentment, and their minds from confusion. Protect spouses from excessive worry or strain, granting them rest in Your sovereign care. May the peace of God be the overriding atmosphere in their homes and relationships. Let this peace be a testament to Your abiding presence.

We thank You, Lord, for Your promise to guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May they dwell securely in Your love, finding their ultimate peace in You alone. Empower them to face every challenge with a calm spirit, knowing that You are their ultimate protector and sustainer. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Philippians 4:7 offers an incredible promise: God’s peace, which surpasses human comprehension, will act as a guard over our hearts and minds. This peace is not the absence of trouble, but a profound inner stability and calmness, rooted in Christ Jesus, that protects our inner being from the onslaught of worry and anxiety, regardless of external circumstances.

This prayer applies the protective power of God’s peace to missionaries and their families, acknowledging the emotional and mental toll their service can take. It highlights Jesus’ promise of peace and asks for this specific peace to guard their hearts and minds from common challenges like fear, anxiety, loneliness, and homesickness. It extends this plea for peace to all family members, emphasizing the divine source of their tranquility.

6. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)

“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Prayer:

Eternal God, we entrust Your beloved missionaries and their families into Your unfailing care today. We pray for Your absolute protection over them from all forms of harm. Whether seen or unseen, known or unknown, we ask You to shield them from every danger. Be their constant guardian, watching over their lives with Your omnipresent eye. Let no evil touch them as they faithfully serve You.

Lord Jesus, You traveled extensively during Your ministry, always under Your Father’s watchful eye. We ask that You would watch over their coming and going, protecting every journey and transition. Safeguard them on dusty roads, in crowded markets, and during international travel. Guide their vehicles and protect their paths from accidents and unforeseen obstacles. Be their ever-present companion and guide in every movement.

We specifically pray for protection against illness, injury, and all forms of physical affliction. Keep their bodies strong and healthy for the work You have called them to do. Provide them with access to good medical care when needed, and quick recovery from any ailment. Shield them from endemic diseases and unexpected maladies. We trust in Your healing power, Lord, to preserve their health.

Extend Your watchful care over their families, both those on the field and those back home. Protect their children from harm at school, at play, or during travel. Keep spouses safe in their daily routines and during their own ministry activities. May every family member feel secure in Your constant oversight, knowing You are always attentive to their needs. Let Your presence be their ultimate security.

Thank You, Lord, for Your promise to watch over their lives, their coming and going, both now and forevermore. May this assurance fill them with peace and confidence in their ongoing service. We trust that Your protective hand is always upon them, guiding and guarding them. In the precious name of Jesus, our constant Keeper, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Psalm 121:7-8 is a powerful declaration of God’s unceasing watchfulness and protection. It promises that “The Lord will keep you from all harm” and “watch over your life,” extending this comprehensive care to “your coming and going both now and forevermore.” This verse provides deep reassurance that God’s guardianship is thorough, continuous, and all-encompassing, covering every aspect of one’s existence.

This prayer directly invokes the promises of Psalm 121:7-8, asking for God’s comprehensive protection over missionaries and their families. It refers to Jesus’ travels, connecting His example of being under the Father’s watch to the missionaries’ journeys. The prayer specifically requests protection from physical harm, illness, and accidents during travel and daily life, emphasizing God’s continuous oversight for all family members.

7. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

Exodus 15:26 (NIV)

“He said, ‘If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, give ear to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.’”

Prayer:

Gracious Father, we acknowledge You as the Great Physician, the Lord who heals all our diseases. We pray for Your divine health and protection over missionaries and their families, especially those serving in areas prone to sickness. Guard their bodies from all infections, viruses, and chronic illnesses. Strengthen their immune systems to resist every form of disease. May they walk in robust health, Lord.

Lord Jesus, You spent much of Your earthly ministry healing the sick, demonstrating the Father’s compassionate desire for our well-being. We ask You to extend Your healing touch and protective power to Your servants on the field. Shield them from food and waterborne illnesses common in their regions. Protect them from fatigue and burnout, which can weaken their physical defenses. Grant them wisdom in self-care and medical precautions.

We pray for specific protection against accidents and injuries that could impede their ministry. Guard their homes, vehicles, and workplaces from unforeseen hazards. Provide them with discernment to avoid dangerous situations and wisdom in navigating challenging environments. If illness or injury does occur, we ask for swift and complete recovery, demonstrating Your power. Let Your miraculous hand be upon them.

Extend this health and protection to their children and spouses, both near and far. Keep the children free from childhood diseases and protect them from accidents during play. Grant spouses resilience and vitality for their roles, protecting them from stress-related ailments. May Your divine health be a distinguishing mark on their lives. We trust You to preserve their strength for service.

We trust in Your promise, Lord, that You are the one who heals us and preserves our health. May their lives be a testimony to Your providential care and healing power. Thank You for Your continuous vigilance and Your compassionate heart towards Your servants. In the mighty name of Jesus, our Healer and Protector, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Exodus 15:26 reveals a covenantal promise from God, presenting Himself as “the Lord, who heals you.” While it connects health to obedience, the core revelation is God’s character as the Healer and His desire for the well-being of His people. It highlights His power over disease and His ability to protect from ailments, signifying His comprehensive care for our physical health.

This prayer focuses on God as the divine Healer and Protector of health for missionaries and their families. It references Jesus’ healing ministry as an example of God’s desire for physical well-being. The prayer specifically asks for protection from various forms of illness, injury, and fatigue, extending this health and vitality to all family members, affirming God’s power to maintain their strength for ministry.

8. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

John 14:18 (NIV)

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Prayer:

Loving Father, we acknowledge that missionaries and their families often experience profound isolation and loneliness in foreign lands. We pray that Your promise, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you,” would be a living reality for them. Banish every feeling of abandonment and disconnection from their hearts. Fill them with the tangible comfort of Your divine presence.

Lord Jesus, You understood loneliness in Gethsemane and on the cross, yet You promised Your disciples You would never leave them. We pray that Your constant presence would be their greatest source of comfort and companionship. When human fellowship is scarce, draw near to them in a special way, Lord. Remind them that they are never truly alone, for You are always there. Let Your Spirit fill their emptiness.

We ask for protection against discouragement and feelings of inadequacy that can arise from isolation. Shield their minds from negative self-talk and comparison. Bring faithful friends and colleagues into their lives, fostering deep and supportive relationships. Open doors for genuine fellowship and understanding within their communities. Let them experience the richness of Your family, the Body of Christ.

Extend this protection against loneliness to their children, who may struggle with new environments and limited peer interaction. Provide them with healthy friendships and a sense of belonging wherever they are. Comfort spouses who may feel the weight of their partner’s demanding ministry. Help all family members to cultivate strong bonds with one another, creating a haven of love and support.

Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing promise to never leave Your children. May Your missionaries and their families always feel Your close companionship, sustaining them through every challenge. Empower them to serve with joy and resilience, knowing they are deeply loved and intimately cared for by You. In the comforting name of Jesus, our faithful Companion, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

John 14:18 is a profound promise of intimate companionship from Jesus to His disciples. He reassures them that He will not abandon them like “orphans” but will “come to” them. This verse speaks to the profound comfort of God’s abiding presence, particularly in times of absence, separation, or loneliness, emphasizing His commitment to remain with His people through His Spirit.

This prayer directly addresses the potential for loneliness and isolation among missionaries, using Jesus’ promise not to leave His disciples as “orphans.” It asks for His tangible presence to combat feelings of abandonment and discouragement. The prayer extends this protection to all family members, seeking genuine fellowship and supportive relationships as a manifestation of God’s care, reinforcing that they are never alone.

9. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

Matthew 10:16 (NIV)

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Prayer:

Sovereign God, we pray for Your divine wisdom and discernment for Your missionaries and their families as they serve in complex and often hostile environments. Just as You sent Your disciples like sheep among wolves, we ask You to make them as shrewd as snakes in their interactions. Grant them keen insight to understand cultural nuances and spiritual dynamics. Protect them from naivety and exploitation, Lord.

Lord Jesus, You demonstrated perfect wisdom and discernment in all Your dealings with people, even those with malicious intent. We pray that Your missionaries would possess Your same wisdom, enabling them to navigate dangerous situations with grace and foresight. Help them to recognize hidden dangers and deceptive tactics. Guide their words and actions, ensuring they respond with strategic wisdom.

At the same time, Father, we pray for them to be as innocent as doves in their hearts and motives. Protect their integrity from compromise and their witness from blemish. Safeguard their purity of intention, ensuring their ministry always reflects Your love and truth. Let no accusation or misunderstanding stick to them. May their lives be above reproach, shining as lights in the darkness.

We ask for this spiritual protection through wisdom and innocence for their families as well. Provide their children with discernment to choose good companions and avoid harmful influences. Grant spouses wisdom in decision-making, particularly concerning security and sensitive issues. Help them to maintain a clear conscience and a pure heart in all their daily lives. Let Your Holy Spirit empower their judgment.

We trust You, Lord, to give them the precise balance of shrewdness and innocence for effective and safe ministry. May they operate with divine wisdom, avoiding unnecessary risks while remaining faithful to their calling. Thank You for equipping them with everything they need for Your glory. In the name of Jesus, our perfect Example of wisdom and purity, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Matthew 10:16 is a warning and an instruction from Jesus to His disciples as He sends them out. He acknowledges the dangerous reality of their mission (“sheep among wolves”) but provides wisdom for survival: “shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” This verse emphasizes the need for practical intelligence and discernment (shrewdness) combined with moral purity and blamelessness (innocence) for effective and protected ministry in hostile contexts.

This prayer directly applies Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 10:16 to missionaries, praying for both practical shrewdness and moral innocence as forms of protection. It uses Jesus’ own example of perfect wisdom and discernment. The prayer asks for wisdom to navigate cultural complexities, avoid danger, and maintain integrity, extending these qualities to their families for their own safety and witness, reinforcing God’s equipping power.

10. Prayer for Protection for Missionaries and Their Families

Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

“and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Prayer:

Faithful God, we rejoice in the glorious promise of Your Son, Jesus, to be with His followers always. We pray that this profound truth would be a constant source of protection and comfort for Your missionaries and their families. Wherever they serve, across continents and cultures, make Your presence undeniably real to them. Let them feel Your proximity in every step, in every decision, and in every challenge.

Lord Jesus, just as You walked with Your disciples, empowering them and protecting them, walk with Your servants today. Be their guiding light in darkness, their strength in weakness, and their peace in turmoil. Your constant presence is their ultimate security against all forms of evil. Remind them that no distance or danger can ever separate them from Your love and care. You are their constant companion.

We pray that Your ever-present Spirit would shield them from all forms of spiritual discouragement and physical harm. When they feel overwhelmed, remind them that You are upholding them. When they face opposition, empower them with Your courage. Let the knowledge of Your “always” presence guard their hearts and minds against fear and despair. You are their ever-present help.

Extend this promise of Your abiding presence to their families, both those on the field and those back home. Guard their children from loneliness or fear of separation, assuring them of Your constant watch. Bring peace to spouses, knowing You are with their loved ones, even when they are apart. May Your Spirit fill their homes with Your comforting and protective presence. Let Your love bind them together.

Thank You, Lord, for the unbreakable promise of Your continuous presence, “to the very end of the age.” May this assurance infuse them with boldness, resilience, and unwavering faith in their sacred calling. We trust that Your presence is their greatest protection and their ultimate joy. In the mighty name of Jesus, our Immanuel, God with Us, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Matthew 28:20, the concluding verse of the Great Commission, provides one of the most comforting promises in Scripture: Jesus’ assurance, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This promise signifies not just a spiritual presence, but an active, abiding, and empowering companionship with His followers as they carry out His mission. It is the foundation of their courage and protection.

This prayer centers entirely on the profound protective power of Jesus’ promise to be “with you always.” It emphasizes His continuous presence as the ultimate source of comfort, strength, and security for missionaries and their families. By invoking His promise, the prayer seeks His guidance, empowerment, and protection against all forms of harm and discouragement, extending this assurance to every member of the missionary family.