050 Pray First: Open Doors and Opened Hearts

The Apostle Paul knew full well the power that could be unleashed when someone determined to really pray. That’s why in Colossians 4, he exhorted those believers to become passionate, persistent pray-ers. “Devote yourselves to prayer (v.2),” he wrote. 

Now, this wasn’t an exhortation from some ivory tower theologian.  Paul practiced what he preached. The Colossians had, in fact, been the beneficiaries of his intercession. 

Paul had earnestly prayed for them – and God had powerfully answered.  Now he asks them to pray for him.  But what’s especially striking about this is what he asks them to pray for.  

To set the context, Paul is writing this letter from prison.  

So, let me ask you a question: If you were in prison and asking people to pray for you, what would you ask them to pray for?  Release, right?  “Pray that God will get me out of here.”

But look at his request. “Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.  Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.” (v. 3-4)

And you know what?  Those 1st-century followers did!  They asked for God to open doors and open hearts.  And God answered.  Tens of thousands came to know Christ in explosive Kingdom growth that was due in no small part to prayer.

The importance of praying specifically, fervently, persistently for lost people to come to know Christ cannot be overstated.

In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul pulls back the curtain so we get a glimpse of what’s really at play. 

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

To be sure, those who are outside of God’s family are there because of the foolishness of their own choices.  They have opted to go their own way and do their own thing.  As such they are without excuse.

But make no mistake – behind all of that there is one who continues to whisper lies in their ears and blinds the eyes of their understanding.  That is why before we ever hope to see their conversion, we must engage the powers that are holding them captive.

Friends, we have the privilege, indeed the responsibility, to fight the ultimate battle – the battle for the souls of our families and friends.  

What if we were to spend this next year asking and asking and asking God to open doors and open hearts?  What if you determined to pray for a least three people to come to know Christ?   

There’s no reason why it couldn’t happen…if we commit ourselves to pray.

CLICK HERE to download the Mark Bubeck prayer.

Text: Colossians 4:2-4; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 10:3-5

Originally recorded November 18, 2012, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.