Praying for translations nearing completion
‘Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes’ (Eph 6:10-11, NIV)
While Bible translation is a demanding task that requires constant prayer support from start to finish, particular difficulties seem to surface when translations are nearing completion. Satan is opposed to God’s purposes, and the translating of God’s Word is one activity he will do all in his power to frustrate. Use this list of actual problems that have delayed the completion of translation projects to guide your prayers. Pray for:
- the stamina and health of translators and their families
- the scheduling of home leave, administrative duties and other urgent tasks to not interfere with progress
- family responsibilities to not be neglected (e.g. aging parents, education of children)
- peace and guidance for those having to leave due to health or family issues
- the funding needed to support the translators, pay the expenses, and publish the materials
- authorisations and approvals by church authorities and governments where required
- local churches to be fully involved and reach consensus on use of key biblical terms, wording, writing and printing
- availability of trained consultants so that translation checking and final approvals will not be delayed
- literacy workers to promote literacy, thereby relieving translators to finish the translation
- protection against technical failures (of computers, storage disks, copiers, printers), extreme weather conditions (hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) and wars and insurrections that render it impossible to continue the work
- local enthusiasm for the completion and publication of Scripture.
Adapted from www.wycliffe.net material