5 Ways to Pray Over Your Team

Pray for softened hearts of those about to encounter the gospel

Teams are preparing to interact with people who may have never heard the gospel or may not know who Jesus is. They may carry wounds, questions, or resistance to faith. Praying for those who are about to encounter image bearers of Christ is, itself, an act of ministry. We know openness to the gospel is a work of the Holy Spirit. We can pray for softened hearts to receive the gospel, for openness to knowing who Jesus is, and for barriers to be broken down so the truth of the gospel can settle in the people of the community.

Pray for alert and willing hearts to respond to the need for the gospel

We know there is a need for the gospel around us. The needs of the people are unique and require our attentiveness to recognize their hunger for Jesus. Pray the team is acutely aware of the people’s needs, responding with compassion, sensitivity, and love. Ask that they would be obedient to Christ’s invitation to share His redemptive work on the cross.

Pray for deep relationships with the people of the community

Building connections within the community is not just about ministry, it is also about developing friendship, fostering mutual learning, and sharing life together. Walking away with meaningful, lasting relationships is filled with purpose, and, often, where the Holy Spirit chooses to move powerfully. Pray for listening ears, and for Christ’s love to be reflected in the team. Ask that the stories and experiences of the community would be honored. 

Pray for hearts of service within the team 

A servant-hearted posture comes from humility, a willingness to lay your life down for the people around you. It is meeting the needs of others while trusting God to do His work as well. Pray for the willingness and humility to step into the unnoticed, inconvenient, and sacrificial moments for the sake of others. Pray that their actions reflect the character of Jesus. 

Pray for salvation in the community

Salvation is the ultimate hope - that lives would be transformed by the truth of the gospel. Pray that the gospel is not only preached and heard, but received. Ask that Jesus meets them right where they are and reveals Himself as Refuge and Redeemer. Pray that God softens hearts, opens eyes, and leads many to live by His grace and truth.