Use these prayer prompts to intercede for those translating Scripture.
When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do. But when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do. — A.C. Dixon, 19th-century pastor and evangelist
When we pray for Bible translators, we partner with God as He releases His power to equip, strengthen, and protect teams from the enemy. Consider using these prayer prompts to fuel your intercession for these modern-day heroes of the faith:
1. Pray for spiritual transformation.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. — Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
Translators must wrestle with Bible passages to accurately grasp their meaning and then carefully choose words and phrases to convey them in their own language. God often uses this process to transform translators, some of whom are not Christians when they join the team. This may be because there are few believers in their region or because they are primarily motivated by a desire to preserve their language. Yet as these translators spend more time with God’s Word, many come to a point where they choose to put their faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Pray for good health.
Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. — 3 John 2 (NLT)
Many translators and their families live in remote areas where they’re exposed to serious diseases yet have limited access to healthcare and medicines. Illness can create tremendous stress and slow translation progress. Team morale can also suffer when members are sick or missing from work to care for family members.
3. Pray for wisdom to make God’s Word understandable and accurate.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. — James 1:5 (NLT)
Conveying the meaning of abstract concepts and metaphors in the Bible to a different culture is a significant undertaking. Languages might not have specific words to express theological concepts like grace or redemption. And translators must rid themselves of personal bias. They also need the Holy Spirit’s help to balance their time and to know when the text has been studied, checked, tested, and reviewed enough for publication.
4. Pray for safety and spiritual strength in the face of opposition.
We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. — 2 Corinthians 1:8b-9 (NLT)
In countries hostile to Christianity, Bible translators often face significant risks—even before the work begins. Many must travel across strictly controlled borders to attend training in a neighboring country. And once they arrive, the challenges are far from over. The learning curve can be steep. Understanding principles of Bible translation, using specialized software (or even a computer), and functioning as a unified team are just some of the hurdles translators must overcome.
Back home, danger can persist. When translated Scripture reveals that a cultural practice is unbiblical, e.g., praying to dead ancestors or practicing polygamy, translators can be seen as betraying their culture.
Yet despite these trials, believers in the persecuted church often don’t ask God to remove persecution. Instead, they ask for strength to endure, firmness in their faith and convictions, and hope in the face of discouragement.
5. Pray for perseverance and stamina.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. — James 1:12 (NLT)
Taking Scripture through the steps of Bible translation can be grueling. And teams can face multiple distractions like power cuts, internet outages, natural disasters, family needs, and local church responsibilities.
For translators working in dangerous regions, the challenges are even greater. They often must work alone and in secret, making them vulnerable to loneliness and discouragement.
Thank you for praying for these brave men and women.
“Our translators are incredibly grateful for all those who are praying for them without ever having met them,” says one translation consultant. “Knowing that brothers and sisters around the world are interceding for them before the throne of God is a constant source of encouragement.”
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