"Petitionary prayer is the expression of the hope that:
life as we meet it … can be otherwise, and … that it
ought to be otherwise.

“It is impossible to seek to live in God's
world on his terms, doing his work in a way
that is consistent with who he is, without
engaging in regular prayer."

— David Wells in "Prayer: Rebelling Against the Status Quo."
(Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader.
3rd ed. Pasadena: William Carey Library, 1999.)

How to pray effectively for missions

• Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send workers.
  
• Pray for the unreached (find out how to pray specifically for unreached people groups) and that God will send a credible gospel witness in the language and culture of every one of the world's 12,000 ethnolinguistic people groups.
  
• Pray for more "first-world" Christians who will use their computer and English language skills, medical/dental skills, theological training, and other practical assets to serve others globally in Jesus' name.
  
• Pray for unity and servant leadership among missionaries and local believers. Pray that God will allow workers to see fruit from their labor in a way that brings glory to God. Pray for the spritual walks of workers and their relationships with spouses and children.
  
• Pray that every local believer in every GBIM ministry will have access to effective discipleship and leadership training.
  
• Pray for the multiplication of churches and for the beginning of church multiplication movements in new places.
  
• Pray for senders.
  
• Pray that every believer in every church will impact the world through personal involvement in global ministry.
  
• Pray for more local churches and church members who will creatively match their talents with the opportunities God presents for world ministry.
  
• Pray that every believer will excel in his or her calling and invest in mobilizing others to understand their world and influence it for Christ.
  
• Pray that Jesus' kingdom will come and his will be done.
  
• Pray constantly for all who are in governmental authority (1 Tim 2:1-7), so that there may be peace and the gospel may be preached. Pray that the reconciliation and forgiveness found only in Jesus will be known where there is war and hatred.
  
• Pray that God will impress upon you the next step of obedience he desires you to take in giving your utmost for his highest purpose.