Evangelistic Praying -- By: Curtis C. Mitchell
Journal: Grace Theological Journal
Volume: GTJ 05:1 (Spring 1984)
Article: Evangelistic Praying
Author: Curtis C. Mitchell
GTJ 5:1 (Spr 84) p. 127
Evangelistic Praying
Traditionally when Christians have thought of prayer in connection with evangelism, it has centered in praying directly for the salvation of the sinner. In this article such an emphasis is challenged. We will attempt to show that the New Testament advocates prayer for saints rather than sinners in the face of evangelistic need. We will discuss the nature of truly Biblical evangelistic praying.
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Perhaps in no area of praying has there been more misunderstanding than in the relationship between prayer and evangelism. How should one pray concerning an unsaved friend or loved one? It is startling to realize that Jesus Christ never prayed explicitly and directly for the eternal salvation of a lost person.1 It is equally startling to realize that neither Jesus nor Paul ever commanded explicit and direct prayer for the salvation of the lost. If these statements sound startling—they are. If they sound heretical—they are not.
Prayer for the Lost Is Allowable
It is true that implicitly and indirectly there are several places in the NT where prayer for the salvation of the lost is allowable. By way of example, Jesus taught his disciples to “…pray for those who
GTJ 5:1 (Spr 84) p. 128
persecute you…” (Matt 5:44).2 The preposition ὑπέρ (“for”) has the root idea of “over,” which easily becomes “in behalf of,” and ultimately carries the concept of “for the benefit of.”3 Thus the implication seems to be that the prayer is to be for the benefit of the persecutor in some way. Certainly the greatest possible benefit to any enemy would be his eternal salvation, but this is only implicit.
Likewise, Paul advocated that prayers be offered up on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority…” (1 Tim 2:1, 2). However, the immediate reason for such prayers is “…in order that we might lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (2 Tim 1:2). Hence, Paul requests prayer for governmental authorities so that they will not interfere with the free working of the church. The ultimate reason is because God “…desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). Thus, prayer for the salvation of governmental o...
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