The apostle Paul instructs Christians in 2 Corinthians 5:18 that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. Specifically in verse 20 of this same chapter, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says "we are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us". Reconciliation in this portion of scripture is that of reconciling people to God. The need for reconciliation is a result of each of us being separated from God because of our sin. Knowing God desires a personal relationship with each person, and that we are separated from Him, He provided a way for us to have our sin forgiven in order that we could realize this relationship He offers us. When Jesus died upon the cross, was buried and rose again the third day, our sin penalty was paid. If you confess Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved (Romans 10:9). The Bible uses at least two words to describe those who have yet to be reconciled to God as being blind and lost. Have you ever watched a visually blind person navigate a busy intersection, and did you find yourself praying for God to help them in their walk? In a similar way we need to pray with compassion for those who are spiritually blind. Often as we pray for unsaved people we may be limited to praying "God, help my friend to be saved", sensing there might be more specific things to pray, but we're just unsure how to go about it. Lee E. Thomas has written a book titled "Praying Effectively for the Lost". The author suggests at least six prayers for those who need to be reconciled to Christ. We are to ask God to sanctify, bless, convict, illuminate, save and send laborers. Please consider the verses associated with these six items. Revive your intercessory prayer life this week with this simple pattern of praying effectively for lost people.
How to Pray for the Lost
(from Praying Effectively for the Lost by Lee E. Thomas)
Ask God to:
SANCTIFY
1 Pet 1:2: “who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit for obedience…”
2 Th. 2:13: “from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit…”
BLESS
Rom 2:4: “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance”
CONVICT
Jn. 16:8: “When he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness…”
ILLUMINATE
2 Cor. 4:6: “For God who said “let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ”
SAVE
Lk. 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”
SEND LABORERS
Mt 9:37: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field”
For more encouragement and additional information about the book Praying Effectively for the Lost, please visit www.pelministries.org.
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