5 Days of Praying for the Spread of the Gospel Far and Near

Followers of Jesus are meant to obey the Bible, which means we should not treat people who have been made in the image of God as mere political issues (Genesis 1:27). Scripture tells us to help and care for the alien, foreigner and stranger (see Leviticus 19:33-34; Jeremiah 22:3; Matthew 25:35-40). Also, many refugees come from unreached areas. Therefore, caring for those who have been displaced or have immigrated is an opportunity to show the love of Christ and share the gospel. 

You were a refugee when You and Your family fled from Herod’s murderous plans. Lord, we pray for those near and far who have fled or left their homes. Grant them safety on their journey and help them find their true home in You. Open our hearts to love others, even those who may seem different from us. Amen.   

For more resources about refugees and prayers for displaced people, consider visiting the websites of World Relief or Tearfund. 

Jesus told His disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV). He wants us to bear witness to His grace no matter where we are, whether across the globe or at home. As disciples of Jesus, we should support missionary work and global ministries as well as local ministries. Many organizations are working to bring the good news into the cities and communities in which we live.  

Local ministries and churches need our prayers because they are engaged in gospel and discipleship work. At some point, they will face spiritual opposition. Believers need to be ready to pray for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who spread the gospel and serve those in need (Ephesians 6:18).  

Savior God, we pray that You would bless the efforts of our churches and local ministries that work to spread the gospel. Give those who serve the boldness to share the truth with others in love. May they not be afraid to speak Your Name, for there is no other Name by which we can be saved. In Your name, we pray, amen.    

We all likely know people who have not yet placed faith in Jesus. These individuals might be family members, coworkers, or close friends. Some of them could identify as a member of a certain religion or claim they have no spiritual beliefs. Regardless, they need Jesus in their lives.  

People in our culture often assume they can believe any way they choose and still go to heaven when they die. Although this is a common belief in society, the Bible teaches otherwise. There is only one way to heaven. As Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV). Many individuals may think this is narrow-minded. However, no one can save us except Jesus (Acts 4:12).   

Since we love our friends, family, and neighbors, we naturally want them to place faith in Jesus. To do so, they must hear the gospel, understand it, and choose to trust in Christ for salvation (Romans 10:14-15). We might not be able to control their responses to the gospel, but we can pray for them.   

Lord, we know that You desire none to perish but all to come to repentance. Please help our loved ones to see their need for You. Work in their lives so that their hearts may become soft soil for the sowing of gospel seeds. Grant us opportunities to share the good news with those around us, giving us the courage to speak about our faith. In all this, may You be glorified. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.    

Over the past five days, we have prayed for more people to hear the good news of Jesus. As we continue to pray for those far and near, may we remember our purpose as disciples. Let us not only pray for the spread of the gospel but also work to tell others about our hope in Christ.       

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Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site  Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.