Prayer and Action: Making Disciples Where You Are

One encouragement our Encompass mobilizers give to those who are preparing to go overseas is to be missional in your now. It's easy to think that the activity of making disciples is somewhere off in a distant land that you need to go to in order to join, but the truth is we are supposed to be salt and light to those around us; no matter where we are. This is a call to all, not just global missionaries. For someone who has never tried this, it can be a little intimidating. The key is joining prayer with action to share the gospel with those around you. Encompass global workers all around the world follow these guidelines; you can too :) “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

PRAY

Lord, make me salt and light in this world.

ACT

God’s power and presence are real both in this world and in your life. As a result, you can: -Share how God has transformed you. -Ask questions that awaken interest in spiritual things. -Talk about how God has answered your prayers.

Why It Matters

The Holy Spirit can work in the life of your neighbor or friend to inspire interest in spiritual matters and develop a thirst to know more about God.

PRAY

Lord, make it clear when I should take the next step and ask my friend to read the Gospel of John.

ACT

Invite your friend to read the Gospel of John, using these questions to guide their time: -What does this section of the Bible reveal to me about Jesus? -In light of what I’m learning, what does Jesus wants from me?

Why It Matters

Your friend begins to believe that God will reveal himself and his will to those who seek him in his Word.

PRAY

Lord, who can I connect this person with so they can see the value of seeking God together?

ACT

Encourage your friend’s search for God through reading the Bible. Walk with him or her to find connection in a small group with others just starting to seek Christ.

Why It Matters

Your friend finds God through reading the Bible and is encouraged by others who are also pursuing Jesus.

What else can you do?

-Make a commitment: Pray for specific people you know. -Take the next step: Pray with those same people. Ask them how you can pray; they will rarely turn you down. And it gives you an open door for spiritual conversations. -Do it right away: Don’t wait a year to mention spiritual things to friends or neighbors. It will make them feel like a project, not someone you care about.

Consider This

These are just guidelines to help you connect prayer with action in order to reach those around you. If you find a better way to do it, great! Just remember to let prayer be your guide. At Encompass, we pray every day at 10:02 am because of Luke 10:2 "Pray to the Lord of the Harvest". Would you consider praying for Global Missions too? One great way to do this is to use our new 2018 Prayer Guide, which is available HERE. Get your copy today and pray with us.