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Prayer is the foundation of missions. Before we can effectively reach the lost with the gospel, we must first bring them before the Lord in prayer. Missions is not merely a human effort; it is a divine work that requires God’s power to change hearts. Paul emphasized this in 1 Timothy 2:1-4: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men... For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” When we pray for the lost, we align our hearts with God’s desire for all people to come to salvation. Prayer softens both our hearts and theirs, preparing the way for the Holy Spirit to work.

One of the greatest examples of intercessory prayer for the lost is found in the life of the Apostle Paul. Despite facing intense opposition, his greatest burden was not for his own safety, but for the salvation of others. In Romans 10:1, he expresses this longing: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” Paul understood that no amount of persuasive words or good deeds alone could bring about salvation—it had to be a work of God. His response was to fervently pray for those who had rejected Christ, trusting in God’s ability to break through their spiritual blindness. We, too, must develop this same burden, lifting up our unsaved friends, family members, and even strangers before the throne of grace.

Prayer for the lost also emboldens us to act. As we consistently bring their names before God, He places a deeper burden on our hearts and opens our eyes to opportunities to witness. Colossians 4:2-3 encourages us, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.” When we pray, we are not just asking God to send someone else—we are asking Him to use us. The more we pray for the lost, the more we become willing and ready to step into divine appointments to share the gospel.

Today, take a moment to write down the names of people in your life who need Christ. Maybe it’s a family member, a coworker, or a neighbor. Begin to pray specifically for their salvation, asking God to soften their hearts, to remove any spiritual barriers, and to open doors for you to share the truth with them. Pray for boldness and wisdom in your own witness. The mission of reaching souls begins on our knees—so let’s start today. Will you commit to being a prayer warrior for the lost?