What compels us to pray when it comes to evangelism is the belief that only God can save the sinner. If we are convinced that the gospel really is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe (Rom. 1:16-17), we should be asking the Lord to take the message and use it in the hearts of people. In fact, we are told that when the gospel is proclaimed, God is the one who takes this message and declares ‘let there be light’ so that people come to see the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Cor. 4:6).

One of the most important things we need to pray for is our evangelistic efforts. When we fail to pray for our evangelism efforts we could be in danger of acting as if it is within our ability to save individuals. Because God is the great Savior, saving people in Jesus Christ, we must pray and ask that He would do His great work as we are faithful in evangelism. We should prayer for the unsaved, pray for their salvation, and pray for our efforts in evangelism. We pray precisely because we believe that only God can save the lost.

First, what compels us to pray when it comes to evangelism is the belief that only God can save the sinner. If we are convinced that the gospel really is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe (Rom. 1:16-17), we should be asking the Lord to take the message and use it in the hearts of people. In fact, we are told that when the gospel is proclaimed, God is the one who takes this message and declares ‘let there be light’ so that people come to see the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). There are people who do not believe, they need to hear the gospel, but in the preaching of the gospel, God needs to remove the blindness of their hearts. So, to this end we pray. God saves sinners; therefore, I am compelled to pray.

Second, when I pray with regard to evangelism, I should pray specifically for the salvation of the lost person. There are, of course, many ways that I can phrase this prayer. But God hears the simplest request to save sinners. The timing or length of the pray does not induce God more or less. I should pray in secret for the lost. I should pray by name for those who I know are not saved. If I have opportunity to share the gospel on a moment’s notice, it would be wise to quickly and silently pray. Ask that God would send the Holy Spirit both to our lips but also to the ears of the listener.

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