Movement launching and building are spiritual endeavors. The tools of such efforts are spiritual. Prayer is a very important tool that opens doors for effective ministry.
But sometimes we struggle to show prayer as something other than a vague mystical exercise. Beyond simply praying for our non-believing friends to come to faith, what should we pray for?
One way to make prayer more specific comes from Love on Its Knees: Make a Difference by Praying for Others, by Dick Eastman. He suggests asking God to plant certain “heart” questions in them, directing their thinking toward the things of God.
Whom Can I Trust?
- Plant in hearts skepticism about the lies they hear, whether philosophical, social, or political.
- Cause them to begin to question whom they can really trust in life.
- They would look for someone to trust beyond themselves.
- That they would see that political systems don’t have lasting answers.
What is My Purpose?
- That they will search for the meaning of life.
- Plant in their hearts an urgency concerning this question.
When Will I Really Be Free?
- Plant an inner unrest, together with a longing to know the Truth that will someday set them free.
- That they will feel an emptiness that can only be satisfied by receiving Jesus into their lives.
- Cause them to ask, "When will I be free of this emptiness in my heart?"
Why Do People Hate Religion or Reject God?
- Cause them to question why their leaders so vehemently reject the existence of God.
- Question why people find it necessary to fight the concept of God.
How Can I Cope?
- Plant a sense of hopelessness apart from God.
Where Will I Go When I Die?
- That God would turn this question into a quest for an eternal answer.
- Plant in their hearts a longing to resolve this issue.
- That urgency will fill their hearts concerning their eternal destiny.
- Here are a few more questions to help develop a vision for prayer on your campus:
- What are you believing God to do on your campus?
- What could it look like?
- What would God do if He were at work here (unhindered)?
Used by permission. 2015.
