Prepare Hearts Through Prayer

Once you have laid a foundation for yourself to prepare for evangelism, you must then lay a foundation for others. Paul understood that prayer is what makes evangelistic efforts successful. It is for this reason that he asked the Thessalonians to “pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). He also recognized that it is “God who causes the growth,” that is spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 3:7). In stating that it is God “who has saved us and called us,” Paul points out that it is God who draws us to Him for salvation (2 Timothy 1:9). Even the preaching of the gospel is an act full of the activity of God. Paul says that the gospel comes “in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). In order for us to be effective in evangelism, we must pray for those to whom we witness.

We must pray because all spiritual growth depends upon God. It is the Holy Spirit that “will convict the world concerning sin” (John 16:8). Jesus pointed out that it is God the Father that reveals spiritual truth in saying that “flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). We must understand that spiritual growth comes from God.

Paul understood this and for this reason he always prayed for the spiritual growth of others. “We also pray…that you be made complete” (2 Corinthians 13:9). “I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9). Even Jesus prayed in depth for the disciples (John 17:6-26). They understood how important it was to pray for others salvation and spiritual growth. Before you begin to share your faith, start praying for people you plan to talk to. Pray for lost family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. It is best to target three to five people to pray for over the course of a few weeks in preparation for sharing your faith with them. Once you have done this, you have now prepared yourself to begin to reach out.