Praying the Gospel (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
By Jennifer Waddle
Today’s Bible Verse - “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Sharing the Gospel is something all Christians are encouraged to do, as people are in great need of the Savior. But what about praying the Gospel? Have you ever considered praying the Scriptures that clearly portray who Jesus is and what He came to do? The benefits of praying the Gospel are many, but here are three ways it can impact your life and the lives around you:
1. Praying the Gospel will equip you to share it.
If you were asked to sum up the Gospel in a few sentences, how would you describe it? Often, we are reluctant to share the Good News because we don’t know how to articulate it. By praying the Gospel, you will equip your heart and mind to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks. And, as God provides opportunity, you’ll feel confident in sharing the best news ever.
I encourage you to write out the Gospel in your own words and find key Scriptures to memorize and have on hand. This exercise will help you pinpoint the Gospel message and be able to communicate it effectively at any time.
2. Your Gospel influence is your greatest influence.
Of all the gifts and talents God has given you—the things you are most know for—it is your Gospel influence that will matter most in the end. By praying the Gospel, you will be reminded of how God has worked in your own life, to bring you out of sin and death into a new life of salvation and freedom. Your testimony of faith will be strengthened as you pray the Scriptures that first convicted you and drew you to the Savior.
3. The Gospel is unchanging, steadfast, and true.
With so much uncertainty, instability, and mistruths in the world, a lot of us are feeling like we are on a scary roller coaster ride that just won’t stop! But as unstable as we might feel, our unsaved loved ones are on an even scarier ride that has a terrible end.
Praying the Gospel will remind you of the urgency of salvation. It will remind you of the absolute certainty you have in God—not the world. And as news headlines continue to highlight all that is bad, the Good News about Jesus will remain unchanging, steadfast, and true.
While sharing the Gospel is one of the most important things we could ever do on this earth, praying it will remind us of how the Good News changes lives for eternity, how it continues to remain a constant source of truth, and how it equips us to share it with our loved ones and the world.
Jennifer Waddle is the author of Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
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