“In prayer, we lift the work of the gospel above mere circumstances and into the hands of the One who governs everything.” John Dickson, The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission, pg 73.
For many, sharing about Christ can be intimidating. Yet, one crucial element to spreading the gospel doesn’t have to be intimidating at all. Just as Paul asks the new Jesus community in Colossae to pray for his work in spreading the gospel, we can ask God to work powerfully in spreading the gospel in our time.
While prayer is a private—upward activity—at the same time it can also be outward focused. Prayer can be done by anyone at any time. Whether a regular prayer for the salvation of a loved one or an impromptu prayer for a co-worker, prayer is crucial.
Paul’s request was not atypical. The thing Paul asks for the most in his letters is prayer. The most frequent way Paul tells others to reach out with the gospel is prayer.
Given the importance Paul places on prayer, take some time this morning to write a prayer similar to the following in your The New You journal (click here for a PDF version):
Father, thanks for listening and caring. Thank you for sending your son. I want others to know you like I know you. I pray specifically for _______. Please open a door for me or someone else to have a conversation with them about you. Thank you for loving me.
