In a world filled with opportunities to know God, it’s staggering to realize how many people remain far from Him. Even in places saturated with churches and religious freedoms, like Oklahoma City, many are still lost. You know some of these people—friends, family, coworkers—and your heart aches for them. How do we reach them? How do we make a difference?
The answer begins with prayer. Today, we’re exploring how to lay the groundwork for sharing the Gospel by praying for lost friends and loved ones. Just as a gardener prepares the soil before planting seeds, we must prepare our hearts--and theirs-- through prayer.
The Power of Persistent Prayer
Prayer isn’t about getting the words exactly right. Romans 8:26 reminds us, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” God takes our heartfelt prayers—even when we don’t know what to say—and turns them into powerful intercessions.
For years, I prayed for specific people by name. Some I’ve never seen again, but I’ve learned of their salvation through God’s faithfulness. Others, like the son of a man named Buck, came to know Christ years later. These answered prayers weren’t because I had the perfect formula; they were the result of God’s grace and persistence in prayer.
Watch the full sermon here:
A Battle Plan for Prayer
If you want to go to war for someone’s soul, here’s how you can pray effectively:
1. Pray for Their Hearts to Be Opened
Acts 16:14 says, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Just as Lydia’s heart was opened, pray that God will prepare your loved one to receive the Gospel. Sometimes, God must push the door open Himself, as only He can.
2. Pray for Satan’s Influence to Be Bound
2 Corinthians 4:4 reveals that “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” Ask God to remove the blinders, allowing them to see the truth and beauty of the Gospel.
3. Pray for Their Protection
2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God is patient, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Pray that He will protect their lives, extending His mercy until they come to know Him.
4. Pray for Repentance
True repentance is a gift from God. Pray that He will grant them the ability to see their sin, turn away from it, and believe in the finished work of Christ.
5. Pray for Opportunities to Minister to Them
Matthew 5:16 encourages us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Pray for moments to serve and demonstrate God’s love, opening the door for spiritual conversations.
6. Pray for Boldness to Share the Gospel
Ephesians 6:19 urges us to pray for boldness. Ask God to give you and others the courage to clearly and confidently share the hope of Jesus.
7. Pray for Divine Appointments with Other Christians
1 Corinthians 3:6 reminds us that “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” Pray that God will place other believers in their path to reinforce the Gospel message.
8. Pray Together
Prayer is powerful when it’s shared. Romans 15:30 says, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” When we unite in prayer, God’s greatness is magnified.
Stories of Prayer’s Power
Levi Blatchford Levi’s mother never stopped praying for him, even as he spiraled into a life of drugs and crime. Her prayers eventually led to Levi’s surrender to Christ while in prison. Today, he is a transformed man, living proof of the power of prayer.
Willie Hatfield During World War II, Willie’s mother was awakened in the middle of the night with a burden to pray for her unsaved son. That same night, Willie was aboard the USS Indianapolis. Little did the sailors know this was the night it would be torpedoed! Awakened by a sudden urge to get dressed, Willie survived the tragedy, eventually giving his life to Christ. His story stands as a testament to God’s protective power through prayer. You can find the entire story of Willie Hatfield on the USS Indianapolis here.
Hudson Taylor The great missionary Hudson Taylor’s conversion came through the persistent prayers of his mother and sister. His mother locked herself in a room, praying fervently until she believed God had heard her plea. That same day, Hudson gave his life to Christ, later dedicating himself to missions and transforming countless lives in China.
Take Action: 40 Days of Prayer
For the next 40 days, let’s commit to praying for those who are lost. Write down the name of one person you’re burdened for and lift them up daily in prayer. Share this name with others so we can pray together. As we seek God’s intervention, let’s trust Him to work in ways we can’t even imagine.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
Let’s stand in the gap for our friends and loved ones, believing that God will bring a harvest. Will you join me?
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