Lot's prayer of 3???

Some of us have embarked on the “prayer of 3 strategy” in our battle to win souls to Christ. As I was reflecting on some pertinent scriptures this morning I realized how much this strategy relates to my blog yesterday about Lot.

It is very clear that people around us are not only lost but bound. 2 Corinthians 4:4 indicates that people cannot see Jesus and they have been blinded by Satan. 2 Timothy 2:25-26, also reveals this truth. This passage depicts unbelievers as those who have been trapped by our enemy the devil.

Lot was surrounded by a whole city of people who were senselessly blinded and hopelessly trapped by the devil and his deceptions. These people were lost beyond reasonable persuasion to consider the ways of God. How was Lot supposed to win them to the Lord? What was his responsibility?

The final passage that is key here is 1 Timothy 2:1 - 4. Here we are instructed that prayer is foundational in winning souls to Christ. Verse 1 indicates that we should not only pray for those who know or love, but that we should pray for everyone. It amazes me that the writer here believes there is actually hope for the world. We are asked to pray for everyone; for rulers, leaders, neighbours, family, friends, enemies....everyone. Our prayer is according to verse 4 that they might know Christ as the only way to God.

Prayer I believe is the missing ingredient in many of our efforts to win people to Christ. I wonder if Lot actually prayed for his city. We are shown in Genesis 18 that Abraham, Lot’s righteous cousin interceded for Lot’s city, but never is it revealed that Lot prayed. The second aspect intrinsic to prayer in our strategy is of course fasting. Isaiah 58 (as referenced in Yohan’s Media Dose of last week), Mark 9 and other scriptures reveal that fasting looses the chains of the devil on people. Prayer is foundational, but fasting is a catalyst igniting our prayers for speedy responses.

As we take on the challenge to fight injustice, alleviate oppression and win souls to Christ, let’s remember that this battle is not against flesh and blood, but principalities and demonic personalities (2 Corinthians 10:5). Further let’s realize that God has given us the assurance that we can and should pray for everyone, and that there is hope for their salvation.

If you haven’t started the prayer of 3, then I challenge you to join in. Pray, fast, be burdened and win souls to Christ.