A Burden for the Lost

Wasn’t Sunday a lovely day…especially after the snow on Saturday morning! I read an interesting quote this morning on a website from Rev. Terry Teykl, author of several books, including the “My Most Wanted Devotional” that we will be using this Lent as we pray for the lost. He said, “Prayer should be primarily spent on the lost world.” As I've pondered his words, I have come to the conclusion that he is correct. As believers, Jesus has already promised us that the Father will provide for our needs. I understand that to be comfort, wisdom, guidance, healing, and provision…in short, all of our needs. I realize intercessary prayer is important, but as believers, we have been asked to do one thing by our Savior: to be His witnesses. Seems to me we might be much more effective if we spent the vast majority of our prayer time and energy asking God how we might effectively reach the lost. If a church would focus on that task…this is not to say we eliminate our missions of nurture or spiritual growth…but focus on reaching the lost, praying that God would equip and embolden us for reaching the lost…our churches might turn their communities up-side-down! Too many churches who are struggling that I am familiar with have turned their focus inward, becoming much more interested in themselves than the lost. Too many people have become enamored with programs rather than taking the time to stop and visit with a hurting person, let alone sharing with them how Christ has changed our own lives…if in fact He has.