How to Pray for Bibleless People

Pray for the Message

“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1, NLT)

• Pray that the last languages of the world would receive the Scriptures in whatever form they need it. Dare to ask God for big things! Ask Him to provide every person in the world with His Word—just as He has already provided it for us—written and in the heart language!
• Pray that the integrity of God’s Word would be maintained as it is translated. Pray for quality translations that speak meaningfully to the hearts of Bibleless people.

Pray for the People

“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him…” (Acts 17:27, NLT)

• Pray for the safety of Bibleless people. Many are residents in, or displaced from, countries with poor political and social conditions.
• Pray that Bibleless people would be well ministered to by the cooperative efforts of local churches and mission agencies.
• Pray that Bibleless people would hunger and thirst for God’s Word in their heart language.
• Pray that Bibleless people would use the Scripture once it is translated. Pray that lives would be transformed by the power of the gospel.

Pray for Personnel

“So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.” (Matthew 9:38, NLT)

Language Workers

• Pray for more language workers to be called, trained and sent.
• Pray that translation needs would be clearly identified through quality survey work.
• Pray that language workers would help develop writing systems for unwritten languages.

Support Workers

• Pray for more children’s education personnel (like teachers, administrators and librarians).
• Pray for community development specialists as they help provide safe, effective and economical transportation.
• Pray for technology workers who provide computer, email, radio and satellite phone support.
• Pray for communication specialists (like writers, artists and printers) as they inform prayer and financial partners about ongoing needs and the progress of translation work.
• Ask God to help construction, maintenance and management personnel as they develop and maintain
  translation support centers around the world.
• Pray for purchasing and shipping staff as they keep much-needed supplies flowing.

Pray for the Completion of the Task to the Glory of God

“Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless” (Philippians 2:16, NLT)

• Pray for perseverance. Pray that those involved in the Bible translation task would not grow weary or give up before the work is complete.