The Hard Work Has Been Done For You

 

It may seem like the biggest, most important conversation (and decision) someone would have in their life might also be the biggest, most complicated and difficult thing to actually do.

Some conversations and decisions may actually be that way, but this is not one of those times. In fact, God has already done the hard work… all of the work… completely.

Here’s your short, mandatory blog bullet list:

1. Believe
2. Receive

Do not worry about what to say or how to say it…

[shareable cite=”https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.13.ESV”]’do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit’ Mark 13:11b

[/shareable]

If someone you know, or perhaps yourself, are ready to actually begin a relationship with God then it is simply a matter of accepting God’s invitation to be in relationship with Him and that’s it. There’s no magic formula, or special ritual you must recite verbatim to pray with someone or for yourself. The moment is unique and special and intimate because it is personal and relational between God the Father and His Child returning home into His loving embrace.

It is in that moment that all eternity changes for a person when they trust only in God’s plan of Grace for their life, through His Son Jesus alone, by Faith alone. Each person’s story is unique, and each person that would come to this moment of commitment to receive God’s free gift of life and salvation arrives with their own individual needs. That’s how prayer in this moment should be personalized beyond the examples below for your reference.

Here’s how my church, Scottsdale Bible, defines how we can “Know Jesus” and that “God created you, loves you, and wants to have a personal relationship with you”.

Making It Personal

For me personally that prayer happened in Washington D.C. on June 21, 1992 at 12:21pm. Again, there’s no magic formulas to any of this except your own heart connecting to God’s, but mark a person’s new date of Faith in Christ because it is their new spiritual birthday.

In my own faith journey I have been privileged as a willing and intentional believer to be present and participate in several people’s most important conversation in life, and I do hope for more opportunities to minister in the lives of others and be used by God however He sees fit. It is important to remember that we should be a willing participant in God’s plan, but that He does all the work. Remember, in Him alone, and unless you are praying your own prayer of salvation, this is not about you, but it is entirely about someone else receiving God’s love and forgiveness, grace and adoption. It is the moment in all of eternity that the angels in Heaven rejoice and praise God for His great plan of redemption and rescuing another child home – forever. If that’s you congratulations! And if it’s someone you care about, celebrate that decision with them. In all cases, get plugged into a thriving local Bible teaching church.

Maybe one of these situations resembles where you find yourself, or maybe resembles someone who trusts you to be there with them as they respond to God’s call on their heart. Maybe this spiritual conversation and prayer happens bedside at a hospital, or over a meal or coffee at a restaurant, as a guest in someone’s home, or sitting on the back porch, with a co-worker (off the clock), sharing life with close family and friends, answering questions after an inspiring Christmas or Easter service, or taking a long distance call out of the blue. These are examples I have been blessed to share with others, and with every person it is different and special and uniquely theirs. These moments are prayed from the heart and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

It is my prayer that this has helped you, or helped you help someone else, in connecting with God for the first time.

Other Resources:

• “How to Be Saved” – Billy Graham Evangelical Association
• “How to Be Saved” – AllAboutGod.com
• “What Must I Do To Be Saved” – FocusOnTheFamily.com
• “What Must I Do To Be Saved” – Bible.org
  • A Pathway to Knowing God Through Discipleship
• Positive, Encouraging K-LOVE Radio – Submit a Prayer Request
  • “You can also call our prayer line at 800-525-5683”

Special Thanks to Kendrick Brothers Productions for the photo excerpt of the salvation prayer in their books The Love Dare, The Love Dare for Parents, and The Resolution for Men. Their site recommends a local church finder at:

• TrueLife.org
  • which also links to a prayer online, chat or text site – ChatAboutJesus.com

 

Here’s to your biggest, most important ever “purpose-filled and on-target day”! God Bless You and Yours!

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave