30 days of Prayer: Day 7 The Process of Evangelism

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Cor 3:6-7 (NIV)

Paul gives us a great analogy to talk about the conversion process.   It picks up on some of the parables that Jesus used when he said “A farmer went out to sow the seed . .  (Mark 4), or “The kingdom of God is like a farmer walking across a field when .. . . “(Matt 13).

Different parts of the evangelism process

As you have been praying for the harvest these last few days, you might have a part to play.

• Perhaps you are a sower.
• Perhaps you are to give water.
• Perhaps you are ready to harvest.

All of us have a part to play in the conversion journey of our friends.

Maybe it is:

• Conversing about their spiritual thirst that helps them move a step forward (watering).
• Raising a question about their faith they had never considered before (planting).
• Sharing a scripture that has meant a lot to you in a similar circumstance (planting).
• Asking how God is answering their prayers (watering).
• Offering to pray with them in a time of need (planting).
• Inviting them to church to hear a sermon series that matches a need (watering)
• Ivinting them to serve in the community with you (planting).
• Offering them a bible study in their home to explore their questions (watering).
• Visiting them in the hospital and praying with them (with their permission).
• Taking them a meal when there is a crisis (planting)
• Talking with the first time visitor after the church service and learning of their need (planting).

There are lots of actions we can do to plant, to water, to be part of the process of conversion.

We might even have a part in tilling the soil, helping to prepare their hearts to hear the word of God.

We might even have a part in pulling out the weeds, such as pointing out conflicting worldviews.

We might even have a part in the harvest, helping them to surrender the life to Christ.

Seeing personal evangelism in light of the PROCESS, we find freedom to play our part rather than rush the harvest.

Today’s prayer:

Lord, you’ve placed me in a circle of friends who are on their own spiritual journey.

As I pray for each one by name today, perhaps you’d speak with me about something I might be able to do that would participate in that process.

Show me how I might

1. Till
2. Plant
3. Weed
4. Water
5. Harvest

in the life of each friend that I pray for off my list.

Today’s action

Work through your list of friends that you are praying for.

Pray for each one by name, asking the Lord to show you what you might be able to do.

Be prepared to write down those ideas and look for opportunities to follow through.

Image source: Personal collection