5 Prayers to Seek God’s Guidance on Summer Mission Trips
When I went on my first mission trip, it was a mission internship as part of my undergraduate degree, and I completed the internship throughout the summer. Many mission agencies offer summer mission trips to individuals interested in mission work. It is important for us to remember that mission work is not a vacation or an escape from everyday life. Rather, it includes serving the local community, being Jesus' hands and feet to the people, and sharing the gospel.
The Lord has commanded all Christians to participate in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). When we obey the call to complete the Great Commission, we will be overjoyed because we are doing what we were created to do—to obey God, serve Him, and make Him known.
Here are five prayers for those going on mission trips this summer:
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1. A Prayer to Have a Genuine Interest in Mission Work
1. A Prayer to Have a Genuine Interest in Mission Work
Unfortunately, many people go on mission trips for the wrong reasons. It is not a vacation or an opportunity to see a new country. This is why everyone needs to pray ahead of time and ask the Lord to help them have a genuine interest in mission work.
If your only motivation to go on a mission trip is for selfish reasons, you should not go. Mission work is for those who genuinely want to serve the Lord and help the lost. All travelers need to pray over the matter ahead of time and ask the Lord to direct them. If they have a genuine interest in mission work, God will help them to see it, but if they don’t, God will also make this known.
“Dear Jesus, please help me to have a genuine interest in mission work. Help me truly want to serve You overseas in the right way. I don’t want to have any ulterior motives. I want only to serve You and make Your Name known. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.”
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2. A Prayer for Safety and Protection
2. A Prayer for Safety and Protection
Depending on where a traveler may go on their mission trip this summer, they may need to pray for safety and protection. Some areas of the world are more hostile to Christians than others.
Regardless of where one is going, praying for safety and protection from the devil is essential. The devil will trick and deceive you no matter where you are going. He longs to cause Christians to fall, and a perfect time to do this is on mission trips. Therefore, be on your guard and never stop praying (1 Peter 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Lord will keep you strong, safe, and protected.
“Dear Lord, I fear for my safety and protection while I'm on my mission trip. I ask You to protect me from the devil as well as from anyone who would want to harm me. I am entering hostile territory, and I know not everyone welcomes the gospel. Please protect my team and I, and keep us safe. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.”
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3. A Prayer to Not Give Up
3. A Prayer to Not Give Up
When we plan a mission trip, we tend to be quite excited. Serving the Lord in a new country is a great privilege and opportunity. However, sometimes, when we are there, we may feel like giving up. Times will get hard, and it will be much different from what we are used to at home. The newness will wear off, and we might become discouraged or disenchanted with the experience.
While this doesn't happen to everyone, it did happen to me. My faith struggled while on my mission trip, and I wanted to give up and go home. Thankfully, the Lord helped me return to Him and strengthened my faith as He has never done before. Choose to stay strong and never give up. When you are struggling, pray to the Lord and present your worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7). He will give you the strength to not give up on the mission.
“Dear Jesus, I might feel like giving up while on the mission field. Please help me not to give up and to keep going forward. I'm worried I might leave the mission field because I will get worried, down, and afraid. Please surround me with your grace, love, and support. Strengthen my weary knees and give me hope. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.”
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4. A Prayer to Put on the Full Armor of God
4. A Prayer to Put on the Full Armor of God
The Apostle Paul details the armor of God for us in Ephesians 6:10-18. For the full armor of God, we have to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness for the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and to pray in the Spirit. These things will keep us safe as we navigate the mission field. While we will, of course, be with trained missionaries, we also need to ensure we are taking the proper steps ourselves to put on the whole armor of God.
Whenever you struggle to put on God's full armor, ask God to help you. Don't be afraid to be honest with what you need. God delights in helping His children and will help you take your stand against the evil one. As already mentioned, the devil wants to plot against Christians, especially while they are on the mission field. Don't let him prey on you; instead, overcome the devil with prayer.
“Dear God, please help me to put on the full armor of God each day. Ensure I am putting on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness for the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and that I'm praying in the Spirit. Whenever I'm struggling, point me back to You. Overcome the evil one with Your might, God. I praise You and I thank You, Amen.”
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5. A Prayer to Discern if God Wants You to Be a Long-Term Missionary
5. A Prayer to Discern if God Wants You to Be a Long-Term Missionary
Part of going on a summer mission trip or mission internship is determining whether or not God is calling you to do long-term mission work. While on my mission internship, I struggled immensely; however, by the end of the trip, I knew this was what God wanted me to do. Even if I couldn't be a missionary full-time, I wanted to be consistently involved with mission work. When you travel overseas this summer and get a glimpse of mission work, ask the Lord to help you know whether or not this is where He is calling you.
The Lord will open your eyes and help you determine your direction. You might be talented at mission work or love the local people in this new culture. Think about how the Lord might speak to you throughout this mission trip, and be direct in your prayers as you ask Him to reveal His will.
It might not happen during your mission trip, but it will come. God might reveal He wants you to do full-time mission work or to be involved in some capacity, a few weeks or months after your trip. After all, the Great Commission is not a one-time suggestion, but something we must obey for the rest of our lives. Serving the Lord on the mission field is a great blessing and one we must continue to follow throughout our lives.
“Dear God, please tell me whether you want me to do full-time mission work. Help me this summer to discern Your will and to be sure of where You are directing me. I know You have commanded the Great Commission, and this is something I will never overlook. Please give me wisdom and discernment as I go into this summer. I want to ensure I'm glorifying You and following the path You have paved for me. I give You all the glory, God. Amen.”
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Originally published July 15, 2025.
