A Prayer for Evangelism

“When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. ² Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” ³ The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad. ⁴ Bring back our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South. ⁵ Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. ⁶ He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:1-6)

This psalm was written when the children of Israel returned to the land that they were taken from and put into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. There was much joy for what the Lord was doing as they returned from their captivity.

In this psalm there is also a prayer to Lord requesting that all those who were taken captive would be brought back to the Promised Land. In the same way, as believers in Christ we ought to also pray for the lost that God will give us grace to go out to the lost, without Christ and without hope, held captive by their inborn sin nature and the lusts of their flesh; to reach out to them with the gospel message, weeping over their enslaved souls as we sow the seeds of salvation and redemption through the one atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross on behalf of sinners everywhere; sowing seeds of the only real hope, freedom and peace that is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ, our only Lord and Savior.

Let us, therefore, pray:

“O Lord, deliver those who have been held captive under the bondage of sin, the world and the devil; by your grace give them a new heart, turning them away from sin to embrace by faith alone Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, salvation, righteousness and everlasting life.

“Strengthen me, O Lord, to carry with me a bag full of the seed of your Gospel to spread everywhere as I go to and fro.

“Let my heart, O Lord, weep for the lost, for those held captive by sin, bearing the due penalty of it, lying under its condemnation, so I might sow the seed of Christ’s death and resurrection, weeping for lost sinners; then, rejoice in the harvest of their salvation, redemption and glorification

“Let my heart, O Lord, rejoice in the salvation of mine enemies whom you have saved from condemnation and captivity; taking them from darkness and bringing them into the light of your gospel, bringing them with me into the kingdom of freedom, forgiveness, and fidelity in you, so that your name, O Lord, may be glorified and your power to transform lives may be demonstrated to an unbelieving world – AMEN!”

Soli Deo Gloria!