The Power Of Prayer In Global Mission

Text: Acts 10:1-9    LBC World Missions Conference ‘09  2/26/09   

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

 

       Many believers may not be aware, but behind a successful mission work are bended knees, begging hands, sobbing hearts and tearful eyes before God’s throne of grace. The more we pray, the more we deeply understand the importance of prayer, and certainly, the more we realize that missions and prayers are inseparable.  

 

       In Matthew 9:37-38, it is written, 37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (KJV) These passages from the Bible make us realize the power and benefits of prayer in global evangelization. When the Lord Jesus saw the vast harvest field and the great need of labourers, His first word and command was “pray”.   

 

        Every time we feel our ministry sliding down because of many unavoidable problems like financial difficulties, low attendance and believers’ indifferent attitude toward mission work, we tend to be ushered by our discouraged heart to unnecessary “pity party” or even “guilty party”. When such problems arise, we should not lose hope but pray more intensely. Prayer leads us to the right person, the Lord Jesus Christ. We must keep in mind that He is our co-worker in the mission field, and the ultimate solution to our problems.

 

       A careful study on the lives of prayerful people in the past, like Cornelius and Peter, will give us a wider understanding concerning prayer and its importance in mission works. Because of their sanctified lives, God used them tremendously to lead many people to the Saviour.

 

       We strongly believe that the presence of prayerful people in this sin-darkened world is indeed a great blessing to everyone. Mission-minded Local Churches must therefore establish a strong prayer ministry so the fulfilment of the Great Commission will be unhindered.  

 

       (I)   Prayer Touches The Heart Of

              God

  Acts 10:1-8

  -Prayer brings people to

   remembrance before God

   Luke 23:42-43     

   I Samuel 1:17- 20    

   Judges 16:28-31

 

       We have heard a lot of testimonies how believers prayed fervently to God for years for the salvation of their unsaved loved ones and they got saved in due time. It is also amazing how lost people in isolated areas prayed to God begging Him to give them someone to teach them the Truth, and God remembered them and sent them missionaries, and they were led to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Truly, fervent prayers will touch the heart of God.             

 

        (II)   Prayer Opens Mission Doors

   Acts 10:9-20

   -Prayer unlocks doors to missions

 

       Sometimes believers are wondering if they could ever enter into those restricted nations so they could evangelize the people and lead them to the Saviour. With our limited understanding, it seems impossible, but through consistent prayers, we strongly believe that God could open doors for the Gospel even in the most restricted areas. In Revelation 3:8, it is written, I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (KJV) This passage does not only tell us that the Lord has the power to open doors for mission, but He also has the power to keep those doors open and nobody could shut them.

 

       When Peter prayed, the Lord opened a mission door for him to enter so he could evangelize Cornelius and all his loved ones, friends and acquaintances. When Peter preached the Gospel, the result was a miracle of God and historic salvation of the Gentile people. Without doubt, God has always a way of using His prayerful servants in reaching out the lost.                  

 

        (III)   Prayer Breaks Barriers In

                 Missions

     Acts 10:21-31

     -Prayer unleashes the grace of

      God

 

       Unavoidable barriers among people truly exist in this truth-rejecting world and their existence is undeniably noticeable through spiritual, social and racial differences. It is shameful, but true, that even in Christian ministries barriers exist among workers. If not handled carefully, those barriers will surely hinder the spreading of the Gospel. We praise God because through prayers, the sufficient grace of God will break down sin-related barriers. Consequently, unworthy sinners could be assured of God’s great salvation through faith in Christ.

 

      Cornelius was a Gentile and salvation was of the Jew, but we thank God for a prayerful man like Cornelius, salvation so great was extended to him and the people who were dear to him. The great barrier between God and the Gentiles was broken down and we believe that faith and prayers have contributed a great role in obtaining salvation so great and free.                         

 

        (IV)   Prayer Brings Forth Bountiful

                 Harvest

      Acts 10:32-48    Acts 2:42-47  

      -Prayer prepares lost souls for

       harvest

 

       Believers must keep on praying to God for more labourers and a bountiful harvest. In II Thessalonians 3:1-2, it is written, 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (KJV)

 

       Many believers in our Local Churches today are in the prime of their youth and strength, but it is sad to say that fewer and fewer of them are paying attention to the call of God. The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Are we longing for more believers to go to the vast harvest field? Is it our desire to have a stronger and powerful ministry so we could support more missionaries in the mission field? Are we excited to see more souls to be saved? We must keep on praying to the Lord, and surely, we will be amazed to see what God will do through our lives and to the ministry God has entrusted to us.