Evangelism is at the heart of the Great Commission, and prayer plays a critical role in empowering believers to share the gospel effectively. When we pray for evangelism, we are asking God to open doors, prepare hearts, and give us boldness to share His message of salvation. I’ve seen how prayer can ignite a passion for the lost and create opportunities for evangelism. These prayer points, grounded in Scripture, will guide you as you pray for effective evangelism in your life, church, and community.
1. Praying for Boldness in Sharing the Gospel
Many people struggle with fear or uncertainty when it comes to evangelism. Pray for boldness to share the gospel confidently, trusting that God is with you.
Scripture:
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29)
Prayer:
“Lord, I pray for boldness in sharing the gospel. Remove any fear or hesitation I may have and fill me with courage to speak Your Word with confidence. Empower me to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, knowing that You are with me every step of the way.”
2. Praying for Open Doors and Opportunities
Evangelism requires divine opportunities to share the gospel. Pray for God to open doors for you to speak about Jesus, whether in personal conversations or larger settings.
Scripture:
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.” (Colossians 4:3)
Prayer:
“Father, I pray that You would open doors for me to share the gospel. Provide opportunities to speak to others about Jesus, whether in everyday conversations or in moments where Your Spirit leads. Help me to recognize those divine opportunities and seize them with faith.”
3. Praying for the Lost to Have Open Hearts
People’s hearts need to be prepared to receive the gospel message. Pray that God will soften hearts and make them receptive to the truth of Jesus.
Scripture:
“The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” (Acts 16:14)
Prayer:
“Lord, I pray that You would open the hearts of those who do not yet know You. Just as You opened Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message, prepare the hearts of those I will encounter so they can receive the truth of the gospel. Remove any barriers or hardness, and let them be receptive to Your Word.”
4. Praying for Laborers in the Harvest
Jesus instructed His followers to pray for more workers to help with the harvest. Pray for more laborers—believers who are willing to share the gospel and participate in evangelism.
Scripture:
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
Prayer:
“Lord, I pray for more laborers to be sent into the harvest. Stir the hearts of believers to step out and share the gospel. Raise up men and women in the church who are passionate about reaching the lost. Equip and empower us to work together for Your Kingdom, so that many may come to know You.”
5. Praying for Clarity and Wisdom in Sharing the Gospel
It’s important to communicate the gospel clearly and wisely. Pray for the wisdom to know how to share the message effectively, considering the specific needs and backgrounds of those you speak to.
Scripture:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6)
Prayer:
“Father, I pray for wisdom and clarity as I share the gospel. Help me to speak in a way that is full of grace and truth, and give me the right words to say in every situation. Teach me to make the most of every opportunity and to communicate the message of salvation clearly and effectively.”
6. Praying for Compassion for the Lost
A heart of compassion is essential for effective evangelism. Pray for God to give you a deep love and burden for those who are lost and in need of salvation.
Scripture:
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
Prayer:
“Lord, give me a heart of compassion for the lost, just as You had when You saw the crowds. Help me to see people through Your eyes, with love and mercy. Break my heart for what breaks Yours, and give me a burden to reach out to those who are lost, knowing that they need You as their Shepherd.”
7. Praying for the Holy Spirit’s Power in Evangelism
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness effectively. Pray for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, asking Him to lead you and work through you as you share the gospel.
Scripture:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Prayer:
“Holy Spirit, I ask for Your power to fill me as I witness for Jesus. Empower me to speak boldly and effectively, and let Your anointing rest on every word I say. Lead me as I share the gospel, and work through me to touch hearts and bring people to Christ.”
8. Praying for Protection from Spiritual Opposition
Evangelism often stirs up spiritual opposition. Pray for protection over yourself, your church, and others involved in evangelism as they step out to share the gospel.
Scripture:
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
Prayer:
“Lord, I pray for Your protection over myself and all those involved in evangelism. Guard us from any spiritual attacks or opposition that seeks to hinder the work of the gospel. Strengthen us to stand firm in the face of adversity and to continue proclaiming Your truth without fear.”
9. Praying for the Harvest to be Ripe
Timing is key in evangelism. Pray that God will lead you to people who are ready to receive the gospel, and that their hearts will be ripe for salvation.
Scripture:
“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:35)
Prayer:
“Father, I pray that You would guide me to those whose hearts are ready to receive Your Word. Let the fields be ripe for harvest, and lead me to people who are searching for truth and ready to turn to You. Give me discernment to know when and where to share the gospel.”
10. Praying for Effective Evangelism in the Community
Evangelism is often about reaching the people in your community. Pray for open doors and effective ways to reach your community with the gospel.
Scripture:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
Prayer:
“Lord, I pray for effective evangelism in my community. Help me and my church to be a light that shines brightly in this city. Open doors for us to serve, love, and share the gospel with those around us. Let us be a beacon of hope and truth to everyone we encounter.”
11. Praying for Wisdom to Overcome Barriers
Sometimes there are cultural, social, or personal barriers that hinder evangelism. Pray for wisdom to overcome these barriers and reach people from different backgrounds effectively.
Scripture:
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)
Prayer:
“Father, I pray for wisdom to overcome any barriers that may prevent people from receiving the gospel. Whether they are cultural, social, or personal, help me to adapt and connect with others in ways that will break down walls and allow Your truth to be heard. Make me all things to all people, so that some may be saved.”
12. Praying for Lasting Fruit from Evangelism
Pray not just for conversions, but for lasting fruit—disciples who are committed to following Jesus and growing in their faith. Ask for follow-up opportunities and discipleship pathways for those who respond to the gospel.
Scripture:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)
Prayer:
“Lord, I pray for lasting fruit from evangelism efforts. Let those who come to know You through the gospel grow into mature disciples who follow You wholeheartedly. Provide opportunities for follow-up and discipleship, and guide us as we help new believers grow in their faith and bear fruit for Your Kingdom.”
How to Use These Prayer Points
- Personal Prayer: Use these prayer points during your own quiet time to prepare your heart and spirit for sharing the gospel.
- Group Prayer: Incorporate these points into church prayer meetings or small groups to cover collective evangelism efforts in prayer.
- Before Outreach Events: Pray through these points before specific outreach or evangelism events, asking for God’s leading, protection, and provision.
Final Thought:
Evangelism is both a command and a privilege for believers, but it requires prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective. These prayer points will help you align with God’s heart for the lost and give you the courage and wisdom needed to share the gospel with others. As you pray, trust that God will open doors, prepare hearts, and bring people into His Kingdom.