How Ought We to Pray?

Piper encouraged us to pray as we prepare to share the gospel. But how ought we to pray? Jerram Barrs gives a handful of specific suggestions:

• For the work of the Spirit in our friends. We pray, first, for the work of the Spirit in the hearts and minds of those around us. We know that He can reach the parts of them, the inner workings of their minds and hearts, that we cannot reach. He can soften the hard heart, bend the stubborn will, open the closed mind, challenge the long-held prejudices, and heal the painful memories that are inaccessible to us. (See 2 Corinthians 4:6 and John 6:44).

• For open doors for the gospel. We are to pray for open doors in our relationships so we will have opportunities to make the Gospel known. (See Colossians 4:3).

• For yourself, for courage. Pray for yourself in all your relationships. (See Ephesians 6:19-20).

• For clarity and that God would give you words to say. Paul also struggled with being clear in his presentation of the Gospel and requested prayer in this area too. (See Colossians 4:4; Eph 6:19; and John 12:49-50).

Excerpt adapted from The Heart of Evangelism by Jerram Barrs.

Jerram Barrs (MDiv, Covenant Theological Seminary) is the founder and resident scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute at Covenant Theological Seminary, where he is professor of Christian studies and contemporary culture. He and his wife served on staff with L’Abri Fellowship in England for eighteen years. Jerram and his wife, Vicki, have three sons and seven grandchildren.