I would like to share a prayer addressing the ministry of the Word with a special focus on Bible translation.
O Lord, our heavenly Father, the heavens declare your glory;
the earth and skies reveal the works of your hands.
Their testimony reaches to the ends of the earth.
How much greater, Lord, is your word.
It stands firm in the heavens.
It is a lamp for our feet, a light along our path.
Help us who have your word, Lord,
to keep it in our hands and hearts,
and to hunger for it more earnestly and love it more dearly.
May all who teach and proclaim your word
have ever greater boldness, with a deepening conviction
that lifts high our salvation through faith in Christ.
Lord, may those who translate your word, persevere
with greater understanding and a humble submission to the Scriptures
that will draw many to their light.
May those without your word, Lord, never cease to long for it
and pray for the day when they and all the redeemed
know more fully the Word made flesh
through the translated word,
by the power of your indwelling Spirit.
Hasten the day, O Lord, when all who love you and your word
are gathered around your throne,
from every tribe, tongue, and nation,
praising you with one voice, in one heavenly tongue, for all eternity.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
If you have an opportunity to pray before a group and the topic of Bible translation is relevant, I hope this prayer may be a useful example.
Moreover, I would encourage you to use this prayer as part of your worship whenever missionaries involved in Bible translation visit you. I’m confident your missionaries will be greatly encouraged by a prayer so close to their ministry and hearts.
May the Lord stir all our hearts to pray and engage more in the vital ministry of making Christ known through the translation of His word for the nations!
