Praying For Soul Winners

Text: Colossians 4:2–3 (KJV)

Theme: The vital partnership between the prayer warrior and the soul winner.

INTRODUCTION

Every great movement of evangelism in Scripture was born in prayer. Before Pentecost, the disciples were praying. Before Paul and Barnabas were sent out, the church was praying. Before God opened Lydia’s heart, Paul was praying. Soul winning is spiritual work, and spiritual work demands spiritual power. Paul reminds the Colossians that their prayers play a vital role in opening doors for the Gospel. If the apostle Paul needed prayer, how much more does every soul winner need it today?

Proposition: To be effective partners in the Gospel, our prayer life must possess four distinct qualities.

1. Prayer Must Be Continual — "Continue in prayer"

a. Because soul winning requires constant dependence on God

We cannot rely on yesterday's grace for today's labor. The work is ongoing, so the power supply must be ongoing.

* Verse — John 15:5 (KJV): "Without me ye can do nothing."

b. Because prayer keeps our hearts burdened for the lost

When we stop praying, our hearts grow cold. Continual prayer keeps the fire of compassion burning.

* Verse — Romans 10:1 (KJV): "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."

Transition: If we are to pray continually, then we must also pray carefully—with alertness and discernment.

2. Prayer Must Be Watchful — "Watch in the same"

a. Because the enemy will oppose soul winning

We are entering a spiritual battlefield. We must watch against discouragement, distraction, and the attacks of the Devil.

* Verse — Ephesians 6:18 (KJV): "Watching thereunto with all perseverance… for all saints."

b. Because God gives open doors that we must not miss

A watchful prayer warrior sees opportunities that a sleeping Christian misses. We watch for the movement of the Holy Spirit.

* Verse — 1 Corinthians 16:9 (KJV): "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me…"

Transition: A watchful heart naturally becomes a thankful heart as we recognize God’s hand in every opportunity He provides.

3. Prayer Must Be Thankful — "With thanksgiving"

a. Because thanksgiving keeps us humble and surrendered

It reminds us that we plant and water, but God gives the increase. We thank Him in advance for the victory.

* Verse — Psalm 100:4 (KJV): "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving…"

b. Because thanksgiving strengthens faith as we pray for souls

When we thank God for what He has done, it builds our faith for what He is about to do in the lives of sinners.

* Verse — Colossians 2:7 (KJV): "…abounding therein with thanksgiving."

Transition: A life of continual, watchful, and thankful prayer leads naturally to interceding for those on the front lines—our soul winners.

4. Prayer Must Be Specific — "Praying also for us"

a. Pray specifically for Opportunities (The Open Door)

We do not pray for God to force men's wills, but to open the door of opportunity and prepare the circumstance. Only God can arrange divine appointments.

* Verse — Revelation 3:8 (KJV): "Behold, I have set before thee an open door…"

* Verse — John 6:44 (KJV): "No man can come to me, except the Father… draw him."

b. Pray specifically for Boldness (The Mystery of Christ)

An open door is useless if the mouth remains shut. We must pray that the soul winner has the courage to speak the Gospel clearly and simply.

* Verse — Acts 4:29 (KJV): "…grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word."

* Verse — 2 Corinthians 4:3 (KJV): "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost."

Transition (Final): If we truly desire to see souls saved, we must commit ourselves to praying faithfully for those who carry the Gospel into the harvest field.

CONCLUSION & CHALLENGE

Paul did not ask for money, comfort, or release from prison. He asked for prayer so that he could do the work of God. The soul winner is the mouth; the prayer warrior is the heart. One speaks, the other empowers.

Will you accept the challenge today?

* Will you pray daily for open doors for your pastor, missionaries, and church members?

* Will you pray for their boldness and clarity as they preach Christ?

* Will you ask God to let you win at least one soul this week?