Readiness plays a key role in acquiring confidence in any endeavor, including personal evangelism. When we pray, we are preparing to be ready.
In 1 Peter 3:15 we read, “Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
Specifically, praying for readiness is universal for the Christian in any endeavor, including evangelism, but the application of what that readiness looks like will be different for each of us, as God reveals His will.
You see, the result of praying for readiness as we prepare to witness may be to read a book, attend a seminar, watch a video, study certain scriptures, or get counsel and encouragement from others. Additionally, there may be a book, an article, a blog post, or video link we may want to share with someone. Ultimately, the application of readiness is a word aptly spoken, which is unique to context of the moment and your relationship with the person.
I’m friends with a Muslim man and desire to be a light for Christ. When we first started hanging out, he gave me a book entitled, “What Every Christian Should Know About Islam”. I read it and learned much about his faith. I’m praying for readiness for future encounters, when I can share a word aptly spoken and a book or some other evangelistic tool with him that communicates the gospel.
Whether we’re witnessing on the way or intentional with someone we know we should pray: Lord, please help me be ready to give an account for the hope that is within me. Amen.
