Prayer | Dependence on God in Evangelism
In a world where busyness often takes precedence, the act of slowing down to pray can seem like a luxury. Yet, at the heart of Christian life, prayer is essential. It’s the starting point of evangelism and the foundation upon which we build our relationship with God. In our recent sermon, Pastor Steve McKenzie explored the profound impact of prayer on our efforts to share the Gospel with others.
The message began with a simple yet powerful truth: Evangelism starts with a prayerful dependence on God and an expectant readiness to proclaim Jesus. As we dove into Colossians 4:2-4, we were reminded of the Apostle Paul’s call to continue steadfastly in prayer. This call challenges us to develop a prayer life that’s not just occasional or convenient but persistent and intentional.
Consider the inspiring story of George Mueller, who prayed daily for his five unbelieving friends for many years. His perseverance in prayer eventually led each of them to embrace faith in Christ. This example of unwavering faith encourages us to ask ourselves: Are we steadfastly praying for those in our lives who don’t yet know Jesus? How can we become more intentional in bringing them before God in prayer?
As we pray, we are also called to be watchful and expectant, ready to recognize when God opens doors for us to share the Gospel. Hudson Taylor, the pioneering missionary to China, exemplified this mindset by praying over a map of China, tears in his eyes, for people who had never heard of Jesus. His heart was attuned to God’s work, and his prayers reflected an eager anticipation for God’s action.
In a similar way, we are encouraged to think about the five people in our lives who need Jesus. Are we alert and ready to see how God might be working in their hearts? Do we approach our prayers with a sense of expectation that God will indeed answer?
This leads us to confront the fears that often hold us back from sharing our faith. We may worry about rejection or feel inadequate in our ability to communicate the Gospel. But as 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 reveals, it’s God who opens eyes and hearts to His truth. Our role is to faithfully proclaim Christ, trusting that God will work in the ways we cannot. This understanding frees us from the pressure to perform and empowers us to share with confidence and love.
The sermon concluded with a call to action: identify five people who do not yet know Jesus and commit to praying for them daily. By doing so, we partner with God in His mission to reach the lost, knowing that our prayers are powerful and effective. As we take this step, let’s support one another in our community groups, sharing names and stories, and holding each other accountable in prayer.
In the end, “Prayer – Surrendered Dependence on God in Evangelism” is more than a message; it’s an invitation to live out our faith with intention and trust. As we pray, watch, and proclaim, may we see God’s transformative power at work in our lives and the lives of those around us.