Many Christians observe Ascension Day, usually in May, 40 days after Easter. We find the story recorded in these passages: Mark 16:15-19, Luke 24:50-53, and Acts 1:4-11. Before Jesus ascended, he left his followers with final instructions: the Great Commission.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Fulfilling the Great Commission through prayer 

As followers of Jesus, we continue this work of making disciples. One of the most powerful ways we fulfill this work is through our prayers. When we pray for others, we join in the work of the Holy Spirit to change hearts and help people find their way to God. We pray for missionaries and ministries who spread the good news in difficult places. We pray for our loved ones who still need to experience God’s saving grace. We pray that God sharpens our own focus, giving us opportunities and courage to show Jesus' love to our neighbors. 

Every week, we receive prayer requests asking for intercession from our global Prayer Team, with the focus of the Great Commission, so that people will know and be transformed by the love of Christ: 

Please pray for my child, that evil releases its grip on him, that he asks for help from Jesus Christ, that he is shown what his life can be (depending on the choice he makes), and that he recognizes surrendering to Jesus is the only way. ~Amy 

Pray that the people who come into our home feel the love of Jesus. ~Tammy

Pray for me and my incarcerated brother, Christopher. I want him to know Jesus as his Savior. Pray for his spiritual health. ~Michael 

Join our Prayer Team 

You don't have to travel the world to fulfill the Great Commission; you can start right where you are, through your prayers. When you join the Prayer Team, your prayers for people like Amy, Tammy, and Michael answer the charge that Jesus gave his followers on Ascension Day. By praying for others, you become part of a global community of believers faithfully for people you may never meet. 

Would you like to join us in praying? Click here.