The Importance of Prayer in Evangelism

One great thing about reaching out to the people around you with the hope of the gospel, is that you meet a lot of people that you probably would never have met under normal circumstances. These are people made in the image of God, eternal souls that God desires to redeem through repentance & faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we meet & share with those around us, Mary & I try to get their names, and we jot these down on our little prayer chalkboard in our kitchen. I try to note the date and location, and it really helps me to remember to lift these dear ones up in prayer before our Father God.

Our Prayer Board

I don't pray for God to save them, because I know it is not God's desire that they perish (2 Peter 3:9), and I want to pray according to His will. Instead, I pray that they would read the Bibles or gospel tracts we gave them, or watch the DVD, or whatever, and that they would understand the gospel, repent towards God & trust Jesus as Savior. I pray God will direct other believers to them to water the seed planted, encourage them or challenge them, or whatever is needed (1 Corinthians 3:6). I pray the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin & a recognition of their need for a righteousness they can never produce, and comprehend that this righteousness is a gift from God to those who will believe (Romans 3:23).

Anyway, it is vital we be praying for those who we are trying to reach, and this old chalkboard is a helpful tool that works for us. If you have another idea, I'd like to hear about it. Send me a picture & your story, and I'll share it on the website.

Two things about prayer: we are taught to bring our requests to God with a thankful heart (Philippians 4:6-7), and the Lord Jesus gives us the example of desiring God's will to be done, because:

• God is all powerful - nothing is impossible with Him
• God is all knowing - He fully understands and is aware of the issue I am praying about
• God's love is so great, I can trust Him & His will for this circumstance

When I take this attitude & approach, I am never frustrated or wonder if God is hearing my prayers or cares about what I am praying about. Dave Hunt taught me this through one of his teachings, and it has been a tremendous blessing and help to me, so I hope it helps you as well.

Hope you are reaching your little corner of the world for the Lord Jesus Christ, living out this Christian life in a real & powerful way, out of thankfulness for what God has done for you in Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:6-7 
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Luke 22:41-42 
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.