Don’t forget to pray for yourself
It is always good–and necessary–to pray for those we are walking alongside in the hope that they’ll get to know Jesus as we do. After all, God is the one–the only one–who will make any seed of faith we have had the privilege of planting or watering in someone else, grow. We’re reminded of this in 1 Corinthians 3:7: “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
But here’s another necessary reminder.
If you have a heart to share the gospel, you also need to be praying for yourself.
Prayer’s foundation
We know that prayer is foundational for a believer. Prayer opens up a direct line of communication with our heavenly Father and through Christ, allowing us to boldly approach God’s throne when we need mercy and help (Hebrews 4:16). God is so good to us in providing this way to connect with Him when we are anxious and have requests. Prayer also lets us praise and thank Him. It’s a way to gain the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
First Thessalonians 5:17 even says that we should pray continually! How many of us have reaped the fruit of this kind of communion? Our Father loves to hear from His children–He loves when we come and talk to Him!
And, of course, prayer is also a gift given to us so that we can intercede on behalf of others (Ephesians 6:18). But as we do–especially as we intercede for someone that we want to see come to know Jesus–we have to make sure that we are keeping a strong connection with the vine.
Why is praying for yourself so important in evangelism?
Scripture seems to make it pretty clear that there’s a strong connection between our relationship with Jesus and how effective our witness will be. Look at John 15:4: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”
If we want our lives to bear fruit and make disciples, we have to remain in Jesus.
So pray for yourself!
If this is your heart, you can bet that there’s someone out there who doesn’t want you to remain with your Savior. If you have committed your life to sharing the gospel, spiritual attacks will come– the evil one will seek to thwart your plans. Therefore, pray for:
- God’s protection over your life (Ephesians 6:12).
- God to keep your heart gracious and loving toward the lost (2 Timothy 2:23-26, Colossians 4:5-6).
- Boldness and preparedness The Holy Spirit will prompt you when the timing is right for you to verbally share the gospel with someone you are praying for! Ask God to give you courage and the right words when you do (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT, 1 Peter 3:15).
- God to give you the desire to stay in and study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). We remain with God–we abide in the vine–through His Word.
- Continued obedience How beautiful is the heart of someone who wants to participate in fulfilling the Great Commission! Ask God that your passion for sharing the gospel remains ignited (Matthew 28:18-20).
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Eph 3:20, 21 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. ESV
2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. NIV
2 Pet 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. ESV
Lord, You can do so much more than we can think or imagine. I pray for us now - each one of us who belongs to You. You know all our needs. Please give us Your peace. Give us grace. Forgive our sins. For Yours are the power and the glory and the Kingdom for ever and ever, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.