Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 4—Prayer And Soul Winning
Much Prayer Is Needed to Know How to Approach Individuals With Truth—It is not everyone who can labor judiciously for the salvation of souls. There is much close thinking to be done. We must not enter into the Lord’s work haphazard and expect success. The Lord needs men of mind, men of thought. Jesus calls for co-workers, not blunderers. God wants right-thinking and intelligent men to do the great work necessary to the salvation of souls. {Pr 43.4}
Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades and professions, educate themselves that they may become masters of their business. Should the followers of Christ be less intelligent, and while professedly engaged in His service be ignorant of the ways and means to be employed? The enterprise of gaining everlasting life is above every earthly consideration. In order to lead souls to Jesus there must be a knowledge of human nature and a study of the human mind. Much careful thought and fervent prayer are required to know how to approach men and women upon the great subject of truth.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:67.) {Pr 44.1}
Christ Jesus was the greatest teacher while here on earth and it is His example we are to follow. Christ did not brow beat His disciples into submission. He led them by perfect example. Christ ministered to all humbly, but also with great authority. Christ planned His days to make sure all His bases were covered. There was nothing haphazardly done throughout his ministry. God requires us to get our minds right to do the work needed to save souls. Before approaching others with truth, we are to understand human nature and exercise much prayer. Remember, if you continue in His Word, you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. The truth saves.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
We come to the foot of Your throne, humbly and yet boldly, and thank You for all the great things You have done. For coming down here on earth to teach us in the way we should go. To be our great exemplar, that we learn how to be co-workers with You in the plan of salvation. There is much for us to learn, and we pray that You grant us wisdom and understanding. We thank You for Your Word that leads us and guides us to do what is right, favorable, and well pleasing in Your sight. We pray that our minds are sharpened with Your double-edged sword that we can approach men and women with Your truth, the truth that saves. Grant us strength to continue in Your Word, that we ourselves may know the truth and be made free. We pray that You speak to us and help us to plan our course to lead souls to the throne of grace. We pray no brother or sister sets out in a haphazard fashion, as it will not lead to success in the great work for the salvation of souls. There is no time to waste and there is no room for error in these last days. The work is plenty but the laborers are few. We pray for Your help with the work at hand to be done as efficiently as possible combined with fervent prayer. We pray that we come together, under one accord with each other and with You. Satan is hard at work; we pray that Your people work even harder, as Your coming is even at the door. We thank You for blessing us with the fruit of Your Spirit. We pray that You continue to feed us and give You thanks for leading us on the paths of righteousness for Your names sake. We love You Father, we love You Son, and we love You Holy Spirit. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
