Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, holds a unique and powerful place within Christian spiritual practices. When it comes to evangelism, prayer is not merely an adjunct activity; it is fundamental. To understand how prayer supports evangelism efforts, we must delve into the nature of prayer itself, the biblical foundations for intercessory prayer, and the specific ways in which prayer can empower and advance evangelistic missions.
First, let’s consider the nature of prayer. Prayer is a means of communication with God, a way to align our hearts with His will, and a conduit through which God’s power can be manifested in the world. Jesus Himself modeled a life steeped in prayer, often withdrawing to solitary places to commune with His Father (Luke 5:16). This intimate relationship with God fueled His ministry and provided a template for His followers. For evangelism, this means that before we speak to others about God, we should speak to God about others. Prayer prepares the heart of the evangelist and the hearts of those who will hear the message.
The biblical foundation for intercessory prayer is robust. In the Old Testament, we see numerous examples of intercessory prayer. Abraham interceded for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33), Moses interceded for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14), and Daniel interceded for his people (Daniel 9:3-19). In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate intercessor, praying for His disciples and all believers (John 17:6-26). The Apostle Paul frequently mentioned his prayers for the churches and individuals he ministered to (Ephesians 1:15-23, Philippians 1:3-11). These examples underscore the importance and efficacy of intercessory prayer in God’s redemptive plan.
When we pray for evangelism efforts, we are engaging in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. Prayer is a weapon in this battle. When we intercede for those who do not yet know Christ, we are asking God to break down spiritual barriers, open hearts, and provide opportunities for the gospel to be shared. Colossians 4:3-4 illustrates this as Paul requests, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”
One of the most compelling ways prayer supports evangelism is by paving the way for divine appointments. God orchestrates circumstances and encounters that lead people to hear the gospel. In Acts 10, we read about Cornelius, a God-fearing centurion, who receives a vision instructing him to send for Peter. Concurrently, Peter receives a vision that prepares him to meet Cornelius. This divine coordination was bathed in prayer, as Cornelius had been praying to God regularly (Acts 10:2). When we pray for evangelistic efforts, we are asking God to arrange such divine appointments, where hearts are prepared and the timing is perfect.
Prayer also emboldens and empowers the evangelist. In Acts 4:29-31, the early Christians prayed for boldness in the face of persecution. The result was that they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Evangelism can be daunting, and fear can be a significant barrier. Through prayer, we can receive the courage and confidence needed to share the gospel effectively. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send as a helper (John 14:16-17), empowers our witness and gives us the words to speak (Luke 12:12).
Furthermore, prayer fosters unity among believers, which is essential for effective evangelism. In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, so that the world may believe that the Father sent Him. When Christians pray together for evangelism, it strengthens their bond and aligns their efforts with God’s mission. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the love and truth of the gospel.
Intercessory prayer also brings about transformation in the lives of those being prayed for. James 5:16 tells us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” When we pray for individuals who do not yet know Christ, we are asking God to work in their hearts, to reveal His love and truth to them, and to draw them to Himself. Many testimonies of conversion include stories of faithful intercessors who prayed persistently for their loved ones. These prayers create a spiritual environment in which the Holy Spirit can work, softening hearts and opening eyes to the truth of the gospel.
In addition to praying for individuals, we can pray for entire communities and nations. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 urges us to pray for all people, including kings and those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Such prayers have a broader impact, creating conditions that are conducive to the spread of the gospel. When we pray for the leaders and influencers in a community, we are asking God to guide their decisions and actions in ways that will allow for greater freedom and opportunity for evangelistic efforts.
Moreover, prayer can bring about miraculous interventions that validate the message of the gospel. In Acts 16:25-34, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while imprisoned. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and loosening the chains of all the prisoners. This miraculous event led to the conversion of the jailer and his entire household. When we pray for evangelism, we can ask God to perform signs and wonders that will confirm His word and draw people to faith in Christ.
Finally, prayer sustains the evangelist through challenges and hardships. Evangelistic work often involves spiritual, emotional, and physical struggles. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Paul describes the severe hardships he faced in Asia, to the point of despairing of life itself. Yet, he attributes his deliverance to the prayers of many people. Prayer provides the strength, encouragement, and perseverance needed to continue sharing the gospel, even in the face of opposition and difficulty.
In summary, prayer is integral to evangelism. It prepares the hearts of both the evangelist and the hearers, breaks down spiritual barriers, orchestrates divine appointments, emboldens and empowers the evangelist, fosters unity among believers, brings about transformation, creates conducive conditions for the gospel, validates the message through miraculous interventions, and sustains the evangelist through challenges. As we engage in intercessory prayer for evangelism, we partner with God in His redemptive mission, trusting that He will work through our prayers to bring many to faith in Christ.
