Pray for Opportunities
The Simple Start: How to Pray for Ministry Opportunities
It can feel overwhelming when you first hear the call to share your faith. You might think of street-preaching, mission trips, or giving a perfect, memorized speech. But the truth is, the most vital and effective first step is also the simplest: Prayer.
Prayer isn't just about preparing your heart; it's about inviting God to prepare your day and the hearts of the people you will meet. You don't have to go looking for ministry; you just need to ask God to open your eyes to the ministry opportunities already surrounding you.
The Two-Part Prayer That Changes Everything
Your prayer for opportunities can be broken down into two simple, actionable requests:
1. Pray for Divine Appointments
This means asking God to deliberately direct your path and place you in the right conversations.
What to Pray: Ask God to give you a divine appointment today. This might be a fleeting interaction with a coworker, a deep chat with a neighbor, or simply an opportunity to show kindness to a stranger. You're not asking for a dramatic event; you're asking for the Holy Spirit to lead your ordinary steps.
The Scripture to Stand On: God is actively at work, setting up these moments. The Apostle Paul knew this, which is why he asked believers to pray for him: "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ." (Colossians 4:3 NIV). God has people waiting to hear His message, and you can be the one He sends.
2. Pray for Boldness and Clear Sight
It's one thing for God to open a door; it's another thing for us to be brave enough to walk through it! We need courage, especially as new Christians, to step out of our comfort zone.
What to Pray: Ask God to remove the fear and give you the words to speak. Pray specifically for "boldness" and for your heart to be "softened" to see the spiritual needs of others. Ask for the wisdom to know when to speak and, just as important, when to simply listen and love.
The Scripture to Stand On: The early church didn't pray for the persecution to stop; they prayed for courage! "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." (Acts 4:29 NIV). When you pray for boldness, you are praying for the Holy Spirit’s power, and that's a prayer God loves to answer.
By starting your day with these two simple prayers, you transform your everyday life into an adventure of faith. You are surrendering your agenda and trusting that God will use you—in your office, in the checkout line, or in your living room—as an ambassador of the good news.
What Next?
