Praying the 12 Core Elements for a New Generation of Missionaries

In the previous entry, we shared a video created to mobilize the Church of the Nazarene in prayer for the next generation of missionaries. We also hope it would inspire young people with an interest in missions and help them grow as effective cross-cultural ministers for Christ!

The video is based on the 12 Core Elements of a Nazarene missionary. Missionaries and mobilizers around the world came up with these 12 traits, which form the profile of a healthy candidate and, eventually, an effective cross-cultural minister.

An attractive card with the 12 Core Elements and the prayers that coincide with each can be downloaded for free and distributed widely. However, here are the 12 fantastic prayers in one place as well. Pray these over the lives of children and youth that you know today!

1. SPIRITUAL MATURITY

Lord, we intercede for this generation and ask that they would have a warm relationship with you. We pray that you would give them a desire to study and apply the Word. Teach them the power of prayer. Shape them to be a generation of Christ-followers who are relentlessly faithful to you. (Joshua 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-17).

2. CLARITY OF CALL

Father, we pray that you would teach our young people to clearly hear your voice. Reveal to them how you have equipped, gifted, and called them for the purpose of making disciples in every nation. (1 Samuel 3:7-10; Isaiah 6:8).

3. CHURCH INVOLVEMENT

Father, lead this generation to serve faithfully in their local churches. Develop a heart within them for Spirit-led ministry and outreach. (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:11-16).

4. MISSION-EVANGELISM FOUNDATION

Lord, cultivate within this generation a strong conviction that they, too, are called to make disciples in every nation. (Mark 16:15; Acts 2:42-47).

5. RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Father, teach them how to maintain healthy relationships. Show them how to resolve conflict so they are able to foster unity and peace. (Matthew 18:15-22; Ephesians 4:15-16).

6. HOLISTIC HEALTH

Lord, we pray that you would bless this generation with good physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. Through finding wholeness in you, equip them for the stress that can come in missions. (Philippians 4:7; 3 John 1:2).

7. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Jesus, we ask that you would guide the next generation of missionaries to be wise and faithful stewards. Give them a perspective of your Lordship of all resources and enable them to responsibly pursue your call. (Romans 13:7-8; Philippians 4:19).

8. CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Lord, give our young people a great appreciation for different cultures, languages, and world-views. Open doors of friendship and ministry with people who need you. (Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 9:20-22).

9. THEOLOGY

Oh God, give them a love for your Word. Put the right mentors, preaching, teaching, and resources in their path to shape their theological understanding. (1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:15).

10. SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Father, develop in young adults a heart to serve locally and globally. Use them to create a movement of servant-leaders in their local churches, home communities, and on the mission field. (Matthew 25:35-40; Romans 12:1).

11. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

God, we ask that you would clearly guide young adults as they select career fields. Use all of their professional experiences and training to equip them for making disciples in every nation. (Acts 18:1-3; Colossians 3:23-24).

12. EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION

Lord, equip young people for every good work. Prepare them with education and experience to be effective ministers for Christ. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 2:6-7).