Why Do We Pray?
- Jack Selcher
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
As believers, we are commissioned by Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This monumental task can feel overwhelming, particularly when we witness the countless people who remain far from Christ.
Yet, in the face of this challenge, God has given us an incredible gift and responsibility: the power of prayer. Prayer is the lifeblood of our relationship with God and an essential and dynamic force in evangelism and discipleship.
Prayer Precedes and Underpins Evangelism
Evangelism, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, is central to our faith and mission as believers. But how often do we rush into sharing the gospel without asking for God’s help? While personal evangelism and outreach are essential to the Christian life, prayer must come first. Prayer is the foundation on which every evangelistic effort should be built.
In prayer, we also invite the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the unsaved. 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us that “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” People who have not encountered Jesus are often spiritually blind, unaware of the truth of the gospel. Our prayers are powerful weapons in breaking down these spiritual barriers. By praying for the lost, we ask God to intervene, to open their eyes to the truth, and to soften their hearts so that they may be receptive to the gospel message.
Prayer Strengthens Discipleship and Spiritual Growth
Evangelism is only the first step. Discipleship is the ongoing work of nurturing believers in their relationship with Christ, helping them grow in spiritual maturity, and teaching them how to live out their faith in a world that desperately needs to see the light of Christ. Prayer is just as critical in discipleship as evangelism. Through it, we invite the Holy Spirit to transform lives.
Paul’s prayers show us that spiritual transformation requires God’s constant and powerful work through prayer.
When we pray for our disciples, we ask God to give them spiritual wisdom and understanding. We are praying for their hearts to be open to the truth of Scripture and for them to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Why We Must Pray for the Lost
Prayer Breaks Down Spiritual Barriers
The Bible makes it clear that the enemy works tirelessly to keep people spiritually blind. As we pray for the lost, we ask God to remove the blinders from their eyes and break through the hardness of their hearts.
2. Prayer Invites Divine Intervention
Evangelism is not about clever arguments or persuasive speech but God working through us to reach others. In Acts 4:29-30, the early church prayed for boldness in their mission and asked God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders.
3. Prayer Develops Compassion for the Lost
One of the greatest benefits of prayer is that it transforms our hearts. When we pray for the lost, we see them as God does—lost and needing a Savior. Jesus cared about the crowds in Matthew 9:36 because they were like sheep without a shepherd. When we pray for the lost, God cultivates a similar compassion in our hearts, moving us from apathy to action.
4. Prayer Prepares the Evangelist
Evangelism requires more than good intentions—it requires a heart prepared to share the gospel. Through prayer, we prepare ourselves to be bold, compassionate, and clear in our message.
How to Pray for the Lost
Pray for Their Hearts to Be Open
The first step in praying for the lost is to ask God to open their hearts to receive the gospel. Pray that the Holy Spirit would soften their hearts and remove any obstacles to faith.
Pray for Opportunities to Share the Gospel
Ask God to provide opportunities for you to share the good news with those who need it. Pray for boldness and wisdom in your interactions, that you might be a faithful witness of Christ.
Pray for Transformation
Don’t just pray that the lost would hear the gospel—pray that they would experience the transformative power of God. Pray for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and that their lives will be radically changed.
Pray for Discipleship and Spiritual Growth
Once someone accepts Christ, the work of discipleship begins. Pray that they will grow in their faith, be surrounded by a supportive church community, and be equipped to share their faith.
Conclusion
Prayer is at the heart of evangelism and discipleship. Through it, we invite God to move in the lives of the lost, preparing their hearts for the gospel, empowering us to share the message, and transforming lives. See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
See free spiritual growth resources for Christians at https://www.christiangrowthresources.com
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead more than 3,689 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 10,051 people. I invite you to check it out.
You can find this blog at https://www.christiangrowthresources.com/post/why-do-we-pray
Author’s Bio: Nathanial John is a passionate blogger and content writer with a heart for sharing the gospel and nurturing spiritual growth. Nathanial crafts engaging, thoughtful, and encouraging content on Christian faith, discipleship, and evangelism that inspires believers to deepen their relationship with Christ and share His love with others.
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