Every crusade starts long before the first night. It starts with people praying. Some of them are on the ground in East Africa. Some are at home in a quiet kitchen. All of them matter.

If you have ever wondered what to pray for, this guide is for you. Keep it handy. It works for every crusade we hold, and it works for your own neighborhood too.

1. Pray for the harvest

Jesus told us exactly what to ask for.

He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT)

Ask God to send workers. Local pastors, volunteers, counselors, drivers, the people who set up chairs. A crusade is carried by hundreds of hands.

2. Pray for open eyes

Many people who come to a crusade have never heard the Good News clearly. Some have heard it and did not understand.

Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)

Pray that God removes the blindness. Pray that the light gets through.

3. Pray for open doors

Paul asked his friends to pray for opportunities.

Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ.

Colossians 4:3 (NLT)

Pray for the pre-crusade team as they visit villages, meet with pastors, and invite people to come. Pray for permits, weather, roads, and power. Pray that nothing closes a door God has opened.

4. Pray for the preacher

Dana stands up every night and preaches the same message Paul preached. He needs the same prayer Paul asked for.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

Ephesians 6:19 (NLT)

Pray for the right words, for boldness, for health, and for strength through a long week.

5. Pray for the sick and the hurting

People come to a crusade carrying heavy things. Sickness. Grief. Fear. Pray that Jesus meets them there. Pray for healing, for peace, and for the courage to come forward.

6. Pray for what happens next

The crusade ends. The new life does not. Pray for every person who responded. Pray that they find a church, open a Bible, and keep walking with Jesus. Pray for the local pastors who will care for them long after our team has gone home.

Make it a habit

Pick one of these six each day of the week before a crusade. On the seventh day, thank God for what He is about to do.

And if you have a need of your own, our team would be glad to pray for you. Send it through the prayer page.

Thank you for standing with us. The harvest is great, and you are one of the workers.