EVANGELISM ON OUR KNEES
As disciples in Christ, we are called to be witnesses to the Gospel. Yet evangelism can feel intimidating. We wonder: What should I say? What if I say it wrong? I’m not a Bible scholar. Evangelism, however, doesn’t have to begin with polished arguments or clever answers—it can begin with prayer.
Here is a place to start: Imagine someone you know who needs to hear—or respond to—the Gospel. Think of this person and, as step one, start by praying for them—intentionally: Pray for this person to hear or respond to the Gospel. Then, as step two, invite others to join you in praying for that same person. In this sense, evangelism can begin on our knees—first alone, then together.
Prayer does not inform God of something He does not already know (Matthew 6:8). Instead, prayer is our opportunity to participate in His sovereignty. When we pray, we step into God’s workshop, joining Him in His work. He not only ordains the end, but also the means—including our prayers. In prayer, our hearts align with His mission, and He uses our prayers as instruments in His redemptive plan.
Scripture gives us examples. When Nineveh repented, God relented of the disaster He had threatened (Jonah 3:10). When Moses interceded, God withheld judgment from Israel (Exodus 32:9–14). When Hezekiah prayed, God added fifteen years to his life (2 Kings20:1–6). When Daniel prayed daily on his knees (Daniel 6:10) and later confessed the sins of his people in exile (Daniel9:3–19), God heard and moved in history. These stories show us that prayer is not wasted breath. God in His sovereignty ordains our prayers as part of His plan.
Here is an even greater comfort: We do not pray alone, for Christ Himself intercedes on our behalf. Paul writes that Jesus “is at the right hand of God… interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). Hebrews tells us He “always lives to make intercession” (Hebrews 7:25), and as our great High Priest, He invites us to “draw near to the throne of grace” with confidence (Hebrews 4:14–16). When you pray, Christ Himself receives that prayer and carries it, perfected, before the Father. Within the mystery of the Trinity, your prayer is taken up into divine intercession. That is not symbolic—it is real and active spiritual power at work.
When we pray for someone in need of the Gospel, we are asking God to open their heart (Acts 16:14); send workers into the harvest (Matthew 9:38); and give us courage and opportunity to witness (Ephesians6:19–20). This is evangelism—calling on the power of the Holy Spirit to work in someone’s life. God always hears, though not always in the way or timing we expect. His will shall be done, but He graciously lets us share in the dignity of causality—as our prayers present the opportunity to join in His plan.
So, pray for those who need the Gospel. Remember Daniel’s prayers. Remember Nineveh’s salvation. In God’s sovereignty, if He can turn a whole city, He can turn the heart of your friend, your neighbor, your child. There is power in prayer—true power. Use it. If you don’t know what to say, start with evangelism on your knees. Pray yourself; and then invite others to pray with you. In Christ’s hands, those prayers carry true power—the power to change hearts and to save.
In Christ,
Mort Taylor
