The Apostle Paul's own prayer requests provides us with a guide for praying for missions and missionaries that are kingdom focused. (Scripture reference are from the New International Version.) Paul's Missionary Prayer Petitions Open doors for the gospel to be heard -- Colossians 4:3 Wisdom to speak gospel message clearly -- Ephesians 6:19 No fear in sharing gospel in a hostile world -- Ephesians 6:19 Spread of the gospel -- 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Receptivity of the gospel -- 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Deliverance from evil men -- 2 Thessalonians 3:2 Acceptable service -- Romans 15:31 Safe travel to enable joyful fellowship in Christ -- Romans 15:32 Colossians 4:2-3 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Paul calls the church at Colossi to prayer and graciously asks that they include his team in their prayers. He specially asks that there would be open doors for the free flow of message of salvation in Christ. His mention of his "chains" reminds us of the persecution he faced and that was an obstacle to the free flow of the gospel. It was in fact, a "closed door." Top Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. Paul asked for prayer that he would not be timid about the gospel, nor would he be lacking in Godly wisdom to communicate with those with whom he speaks. Paul's Petitions 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. Paul's request is that message of salvation from sin would spread quickly and this would occur as those who hear the message would honor, respect, and receive it. Paul's Petitions 2 Thessalonians 3:2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. The message and the messenger of the gospel have always been attacked by wicked and evil men. Paul asks that the church pray that his team would be delivered from such men. Paul's Petitions Romans 15:31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there. Paul asked for prayer in the face of opposition from unbelievers that his ministry might prove faithful before those who believe. Paul's Petitions Romans 15:32 that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. The life of a missionary is often isolated and lonely. Travel to do missionary work, travel to visit other missionaries, and travel to and from the home base are always stressful. Paul makes clear that missionaries seek prayer that all their travels would be in God's will and protection and that those travels would lead to faithful fellowship that brings joy to the soul.