I could tell by the long pause in the conversation, the subtle shift of her eyes, that she was thinking about how to respond to my invitation to join us at church on Sunday.
“Well, the truth is, we’ve gotten out of the habit of going to church. We are more like Christmas and Easter people,” she softly responded.
“That’s okay; with Easter coming up in a few weeks, it’s a good time to get back into things! We would love you to join our family and maybe grab lunch afterward. Just let me know!” I tried to sound cheerful and optimistic, willing the Holy Spirit to work through me as I extended the invitation to a colleague.
Lest you think I am sharing this recent event in a “holier than thou moment,” let me tell you more details. I’d known this woman for a few years, yet it was the first time I’d made the effort to invite her to church. Shamefully, I’d marked her off my list, knowing that she grew up in church, telling myself, “If she wanted to come, she would; there’s nothing I could do about it.”
And, well, the truth is, as humans, we don’t have the power to change people’s hearts, to stir them to action, or to accept the call of the gospel. But, we can co-labor with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us as we invite, encourage, and share with people. If you have found yourself wrongfully assuming or projecting past experiences about those who only attend service on Easter, might I encourage you to pray these prayers?
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Harbucks
1. A Prayer to Be Co-Labors with God
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3: 6-7 ESV
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you made way for us to have eternal life through the sacrifice of your Son on the cross. Forgive us when we pridefully boast about our ability instead of always giving you honor and glory. We pray for those who don’t know you as Lord and Savior. May we joyfully serve to share the Gospel and help lead others to Christ? Let us be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading to invite and welcome all into Your house, no matter how frequently or infrequently they participate in corporate worship. Soften our hearts to see people as You see them, and help us put on Christ's mindset. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Thomas Barwick
2. A Prayer to Accept Others
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15: 7 NIV
Heavenly Father, thank you for adopting us into your family. Remind us that the Gospel is for every tribe and every nation; it doesn’t discriminate based on gender, race, economic status, or background. Lord, I ask that you help me to see people as you see them, looking past the physical and into their hearts.
Let me welcome people with open arms, minds, and hearts with people who look differently from me. Give me discernment as I seek to honor you in everything I say. Forgive us when we fall short. We love you; thank you for your patience as we navigate life in a fallen world. Amen.
3. A Prayer for the Gospel Message to Be Received
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 NIV
Heavenly Father, may we be bold, leaning into the power of the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs our words and actions. We pray for those who don’t know You as Lord and Savior; please open their eyes and hearts to receiving You. Please help us to make the most of every opportunity, for the days are short.
Let us live each day as if it were our last, and give us a sense of urgency and conviction. We love you, Lord, and are so grateful for the gift of your Son. We are so undeserving, yet you died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). May we be vessels, the blessed feet which carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.
4. A Prayer to Be Drawn to Jesus
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:44
Heavenly Father, we ask that anyone who doesn’t know you as Lord Savior come to You, surrendering their lives for Your glory. We ask that those who attend church on Easter Sunday will hear the good news of the Gospel being preached and that you will draw them near to You, accepting the call of salvation. We ask that their hearts be sensitive to the stirring of the Holy Spirit and that you guide them to confess and seek forgiveness of sins.
If there is someone in our community who accepts Christ, guide the body of believers to pray and begin discipling the new brother and sister in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5. A Prayer to Show Mercy
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV
Heavenly Father, let us never forget the immense mercy you have shown your Children. We often think too highly of ourselves and less of others. We forget how we have sinned against Your people and You, a holy God. But You are long-suffering; You desire that all will come to know You; thank You for granting the gift of salvation.
May we offer kindness, extending mercy instead of judgment for those who join our churches on Easter Sunday. Let us rejoice that they have come to hear Your Word, abandoning past perceptions or assumptions. We love you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
6. A Prayer to Show Love in Action
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 NIV
Heavenly Father, let us be people who say we love people and show that they are important and valuable in our actions. We ask that you help us love those in our lives with genuine affection. Let us remember the ultimate act of love: You sending Your Son to die on the cross so that we may have eternal life. You abound with grace, mercy, and love, help as we remember the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind, as well as love people as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40).
Photo credit: Unsplash/krispaparo
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
Originally published Friday, 01 March 2024.
