A Simple Prayer

By David Ettinger

In my 35 years as a believer in the Lord Jesus, I’ve never been much a person of prayer. I mean, I pray, but it’s not my strong suit. I’m a much better Bible teacher. This is why I never put my prayers in writing as others do – I just can’t do it as well as they can!

However, every now and then I’ll have something on my heart which I need to express, and this is one of those times. It just so happens that what I want to express is a prayer. It’s based on the account of Paul coming to faith in Christ. Acts 9:18 reads: “Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.”

With this in mind …

“Dear Lord, I pray that over the next year many of my unsaved loved ones will experience what Paul did – come to know the glorious Savior, Jesus Christ! And not just my loved ones, Lord. I know so many Christians – some reading this blog – who are experiencing the sadness of loved ones who do not know You.

“Lord, many of us have shared the Gospel with our unsaved loved ones, but they have rejected it, and keep on doing so. Some, as in my case, will no longer allow me to discuss the matter with them. For others, unbelievers will permit them to share their faith, but ‘Only if it makes them feel better.’

“I pray, Lord, for all of us who share in these rejections. First, keep our spirits high and hopes alive. Second, give us the fortitude to forge on in prayer for these lost loved ones – some for whom we’ve been praying for decades! And third, Lord, help us to eradicate all bitter roots which may arise, and never allow our joy in You to diminish.

“But most importantly, Lord, please do with our lost loved ones what You did with Paul so long ago: Remove the scales of spiritual blindness from their eyes that they may see that Jesus Christ is indeed their Lord and Savior!

“We commit these dear ones to You, Lord God, in Jesus’ precious Name.”

Tagged: Praying for Salvation, Salvation in Christ, The Apostle Paul, Unsaved Loved Ones

Posted in: Application, Christ's Deity, Christianity, Devotional, God's Divine Plans, God's Grace, Jesus My Savior, Loving God, New Testament, Personal testimony, Practical, Prayer Request, Praying, Salvation in Christ, Sharing the Gospel