Praying effectively
Prayer works, and prayer works better when we work at prayer. Prayer flows from our relationship with God and relationships need time and commitment. Instead of a hurried blanket blessing ("Lord bless our missionaries") we need to take time in thinking about those we pray for and time in listening and talking to God. Everyone can pray and all missionaries need a lot of people praying for them.
As a church
Include a regular mission prayer slot in church services.
As a prayer group
There may be a mission prayer group in your church or local area. If not you may be able to start one. The mission agency may be able to put you in touch with a nearby prayer group, and provide you with resources to help you in your prayers.
Individually
There is value in both group and individual prayer. If you have a regular time set aside for prayer and Bible study you can include your overseas worker in your prayers.
But where do I start and how do I pray?
There are many ways to begin a conversation. Jesus taught his disciples "The Lord's Prayer" and that's still a good framework you could begin from, or there are many other prayers in the Bible which can be used both for you and for those you pray for.
Pray:
With understanding
The more we understand about someone's situation, the easier it is to find the words to pray for them. Missionaries are human. You understand what it's like to be human. Pray for their health, for their work, for their family, and for their ongoing awareness of God's love and power. Learn as much as you can about the work they are doing.
With knowledge
As well as general information keep up to date as much as possible with the specific needs of your missionary. (See "While they're there"). When you receive fresh information share it with others who are also praying (keep in touch with other groups praying for your missionary).
...and sometimes at 3:00am!
Prayer is two-way. As you are praying, expect God to speak to you about what you pray for. Also expect God to bring people to mind. There are countless stories of people feeling led to pray and only finding out much later that it was at the exact time of a real emergency.
