A Prayer for Lost Souls
By Emily Rose Massey
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8, NASB
Have you ever tried to share the gospel or truth of God’s Word with someone, and they asked you to stop? That uncomfortable moment happened to me a few years ago with my younger sister while we were out to dinner. Needless to say, the drive back home was quiet and awkward. I experienced mixed emotions about the situation because I wanted her to have a relationship with the Lord as I do. At the same time, I was a bit offended that she refused even to discuss the Christian faith. When we meet opposition regarding sharing our faith, it is very easy to become offended at those who mock or push back; perhaps our first instinct is to turn our backs on them or set it in our hearts to never discuss the Lord around them ever again.
Instead of bitterness or offense towards those who might disagree with our beliefs, we should have compassion on them because, at one time, before Christ saved us, we, too, were enemies of God and lost. Even if our unsaved friends and family hurt us, these situations should drive us to pray for lost souls. Romans 5 is a powerful chapter in the book of Romans, and in verse 8, we are reminded of God’s great love for us:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NASB).
God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for sinners. Not only should this truth cause us to rejoice in the gift of our own salvation, but it should also fill our hearts with so much hope that God’s mercy is available to those we love and even those we do not know. If we cannot reach them with our words of the truth, we can pray that the Lord may bring someone else to share the gospel with them. Let us not shrink back when sharing the truth with those who seem guarded or hostile. May our words always be seasoned with grace and love as we continue to point them to the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness. Let us have hope that God Almighty can reach those who seem unreachable. No one is too far gone for His arm to rescue!
Let's Pray:
Father God,
Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son to die for my sins so I can be in fellowship with You forever. You know how badly I want my friends and family to know You like I do. You love them more than I do because You created them. I ask that You begin to prepare their hearts to receive Your grace to believe Jesus is the only way to true forgiveness and eternal life. Draw them to You, I pray. I also pray You would give me the boldness to continue sharing Your gospel and Word and not allow intimidation to hold me back. Help me to overcome the fear of man and to fear You alone. You are worthy of telling others about You and Your plan of redemption, no matter if we are hated and despised for it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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