Prayer coordination: the bridge that connects

By Lindsay Fairhead |  Wycliffe Today Autumn 2021  |

How do you feel about serving as Prayer Coordinators with WBTA?

We are thrilled to serve as Prayer Coordinators with Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia. Before we took on the role of coordinating prayer, we sensed that God was looking for targeted prayer for every language community that lacks access to the Bible. Without that prayer, we cannot hope to see a Bible translation project underway in every language that needs it (Wycliffe Global Alliance’s ‘Vision 2025’). The role of prayer coordination gives us the opportunity to encourage the informed prayer that we believe God is looking for.

How would you describe your role?

Coordinating prayer is a bit like a bridge—a bridge that connects prayer needs with ‘pray-ers’. At one end of the bridge, we are interviewing field workers and listening to others on the ground to understand the national and local needs and obstacles keeping people from knowing God (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).

At the other end of the bridge, we have the joy of praying with ordinary believers who serve an extraordinary God. At this end of the bridge, we encourage prayer for the work of Bible translation. We do this through Prayer Words, a regular Wycliffe Australia prayer update. We also collaborate with others to motivate prayer. We are supporting the Seed Company’s ‘Pray For Zero’ initiative—working towards the goal of zero language groups without access to Scripture in a language which they value. We are also partnering with other prayer groups such as Missions Interlink which is facilitating Prayer for the Nations. 

So often in mission work and in life, we can feel overwhelmed by the task ahead. But our God is the God of the impossible. We are grateful to God for every praying believer who partners with us to support the Bible translation movement. Let’s continue to step into God’s abundance through prayer!

For someone who may be struggling to pray, what would you encourage them to try?

• Ask God for the help of his Holy Spirit. God never meant for us to struggle on our own. He understands our weakness and is there to help (Romans 8:26–28).
• Prayer is a conversation. Start by reading or listening to a small section of Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels and think about what God is saying to you. Effective prayer is when we seek God and remain in him (John 15:7).
• There is no one way to pray. God says to ‘pray in the Spirit … with all kinds of prayers’ (Ephesians 6:18). Be yourself and let God lead you.
• Enjoy your God! He loves you so much that he calls you his child (1 John 3:1).

To receive prayer updates from Wycliffe Australia, go to https://wycliffe.org.au/pray/prayer-words/ or contact us.