Over the past two days, our discussions have centered on evangelism and its importance. For believers, one method to gauge your spiritual development and advancement in Christ is through evangelism. It is a check of your commitment.

Evangelism serves as a litmus test for your spiritual progress. It demonstrates the depth of your love and the priority you place on God.

In our previous devotion, we explored the role of study in evangelism. Today, we will delve into the critical importance of prayer in evangelism.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

New King James Version

3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,

Here we see Apostle Paul asking and urging the church to pray for them as they spread the gospel. He urges them to pray that the gospel runs swiftly without hindrances.

He would not have mentioned it if it was not important.

While you may recognize your responsibility and the significance of evangelism, grasping the essential need to pray for the effortless dissemination of the gospel is equally crucial. The effectiveness of your evangelism in a place is significantly influenced by the presence or absence of barriers or receptiveness of people to the spread of the gospel. And these barriers as we have seen in scriptures are moved in prayer.

Acts 4:28-31

New King James Version

28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.

29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,

30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

In regions where the gospel faces rejection or where there is limited freedom to practice Christianity, the number of souls who find salvation can be significantly impacted.

Consider a scenario where due to such constraints, you manage to lead only 500 people to faith in an area with 10,000 inhabitants. While every soul saved is a remarkable achievement and cause for celebration, it is important to envision the broader potential. The goal is for all men to be saved. You are not settling for less. Hence, it is crucial to pray for the gospel to spread more freely.

1 Timothy 2:4

New King James Version

4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

It is clear that God’s passion is for every person on earth to be saved, not just a few, but “ALL MEN”. He sacrificed Himself for all of humanity. Thus, regardless of how many individuals you believe have received Christ through your evangelism, the ultimate objective remains: to bring salvation to every soul.

We must therefore engage in prayer for it is through prayer that we gain the courage to overcome percussion and the boldness to reach out to all men without fear.

Ephesians 6:19

New King James Version

19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Prayer provides strategic insights and wisdom; it guides you on the best way to approach someone with the gospel.

In prayer, you can read the hearts of the men and women who would hear you.

In prayer, you can prepare yourself for the flow of the supernatural while you evangelize,

Matthew 13:18-23

New King James Version

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

In all these examples, we observe that although the same seed was planted, the outcomes varied depending on the type of soil it landed on. Similarly, despite the gospel, having the power to save, the condition and openness of the listeners’ hearts play a crucial role. The readiness and receptivity of the heart significantly influence the fruitfulness of the message in the individual.

Dear believer, as you diligently labour to win souls for the kingdom, be ever mindful that the enemy, the devil, is also at work, seeking to claim those very souls for darkness.

This journey you embark upon is not a mere task; it is spiritual warfare. You are up against a foe who is determined and crafty. You must recognize this reality and engage with the full intensity of your calling.

You are in a relentless competition for the souls of mankind, and you must pursue this mission with earnest zeal. Do not allow the enemy to lead astray those you seek to bring into the fold. The devil is adept at placing obstacles in your path, be they physical, mental, or spiritual barriers. And these must be overcome in the place of prayer.

Remember, the essence of evangelism goes beyond mere conversation. Some hearts will remain closed to words alone, hearts that only the power of prayer can unlock. It is through fervent, passionate prayer that you can reach these souls, breaking through the barriers that separate them from seeing God’s grace.

Today, heed the call and pray!

Prayer Point:

Father, I commit myself again to the course of Christ for the souls of men. I pray for the souls of the men who would hear your word through my lips that they are receptive to your grace. I pray that as we preach your word, the Gospel prevails more and more.