Bible translation requires long-term commitment and needs constant prayer support from start to finish. Translators have noticed, however, that special difficulties seem to surface when translations near completion*. Some problems are due to human frailty and sinfulness. Some may be simply mechanical or electrical glitches. Some problems may be spiritual or have a spiritual component. All of these difficulties can be more successfully overcome as Christians around the world support Bible translation through consistent prayer. Thank you for your hard work of prayer.
Pray for the stamina and health of translators, co-translators, their families and their children. Pray that administrative duties, furloughs, and other urgent tasks can be scheduled so that translation of the Bible does not have to slow down. Pray for finances needed to support the translators, pay the expenses, and publish the books and/or recordings. Pray that care for aging parents, education of children, and other family duties not be neglected.*
Key terms refer to those words in the biblical texts that convey key theological concepts that are repeated throughout the Bible, such as "sin", "grace" and "faith." Deciding how best to refer to God as "Holy Spirit" is also "key," as every culture knows the spirit world but needs to know how God's Spirit is different from others. Pray for God's guidance for translation committees so they can reach consensus on wording, orthographies (how to write the language) and printing. Pray for final decisions on key terms to be acceptable to all concerned.
Pray for language speakers to be available to provide community input on the translated Scripture.* Testing a translation is done with individuals or a group who have had no previous exposure to that particular translated text portion. Questions are asked by the tester about naturalness of the wording and the hearer's understanding of both basic facts and the meaning in the wider context of the paragraph or event described. From those responses the translator catches places that need further adjustment before a consultant gives a final review.
Pray for sufficient trained consultants so that translated Scripture will not be delayed because of waiting for final approval.* A consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions. As more translations get started, a lack of consultants is holding up final approval in some locations.
Pray for proofreaders, that they will catch and correct errors so that translated Scripture is easy to understand. Typesetters sometimes work with languages that they do not speak. Pray for accuracy in their work. Pray that all computers, copiers, printers, microphones and sound equipment for audio-visual production, storage disks, and any other needed equipment will function without fail. For Scripture being printed, pray for the binding, inking and pagination processes; and for printers to operate smoothly. Pray that the results will be clear, useable, durable books.*
Pray that paper for printing of translated Scripture may be available when the camera-ready copy arrives. Pray for the mailing and shipping, that there will be no damage or loss in transit, or unreasonable delays in customs. Pray for the safety of manuscripts. One translator lost the only copy of Mark's Gospel in the baggage system of JFK Airport in New York City. People prayed, and it was recovered.*