God’s mission is fueled by prayer. As we pray our communion with God grows, along with our desire to obey Him. Prayer cultivates a missional and joyful mindset within us as we surrender our lives to Him.

Prayer demonstrates our communion with God.
Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples among all peoples, and then promises His enduring presence. This divine presence is connected to walking in obedience to His commands including participating in His mission among all nations. When we pray, we are invited into the very presence and passions of God. The more we pray, the more our love for God grows, the greater our desire for obedience becomes, and from this flows our participation in His mission.

Prayer is integral to our obedience to God.
Jesus tells His disciples to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest for more laborers in Matthew 9, and then sends His disciples out into the harvest field. The ones He called on to pray, He then sent. The disciples demonstrated their obedience through prayer and then going. We have that same opportunity. When you pray for the nations, be willing to be a part of the answer. In prayer, our desire for obedience to His mission grows.

Prayer reminds us that the mission belongs to God.
In Revelation 5, we are ushered into a breathtaking scene of worship where there are golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. The aroma of these prayers fill the room as songs of worship fill the air. All of this worship is directed to the Lamb — the Lamb who was slaughtered and purchased people for God by His blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. The Lamb alone is worthy and victorious. God is the One who will accomplish His mission. Our prayers allow us to celebrate the victory of God to the glory of God for the worship of God among all nations.

Prayer fuels our joyful participation in God’s mission.
Jesus makes a bold statement in John 14, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” This statement is made in the context of teaching on the Holy Spirit and prayer. The presence of the Spirit gives Christ-followers the ability to take part in the mission as an act of love-motivated obedience. Prayer, obedience to the commands of God, and the Holy Spirit are at the heart of the Great Commission. Through prayer, the Spirit invites us into joyful participation in God’s rescue mission of all the peoples of the world.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Interested in receiving daily prayer prompts throughout October? Sign up for the Pray for 30 Days prayer emphasis by texting Pray30Days to 313131. Visit prayfor30days.org for more information.