This week’s action step is really the heart of what we are focusing on as a church this year. There is no “praying the miracle,” without choosing real people from our lives to intercede for. Prayer for the lost is commanded by God (1 Timothy 2:1) and is modeled throughout the Bible (Exodus 33:13; Jeremiah 29:7). When Jesus teaches us to pray that the Kingdom of God would come, it should be understood that this “coming” implies the conversion and transformation of lost people (Matthew 6:10). 

What are the most significant barriers to praying the miracle? One might be that the miracle needs to occur for you! The unconverted can hardly be expected to plead for the salvation of the unconverted. Do you need to stop right now, and submit your life to Christ and embrace His death as the payment for your sin? May God convince you of His grace and give you the words to your own very first true prayer if that is the case. If you need to receive Him as Lord, then call out to Him now! 

Perhaps, you are a believer, but your life is lacking much prayer in general. There are many different possible reasons for that. My encouragement for you is to use this challenge as a starting point for you. The best way to grow in the practice of prayer is to simply pray! Take a step this year. Throughout the next 13, 26, or 40 weeks, we hope to help you do just that. 

Maybe, you are racking your brains trying to think of someone you know who is an unbeliever. It is not uncommon for Christians to get so busy doing good things with our friends and family in church that we begin to lose touch with the lost around us. This may be the year that God wants you to break out of your shell and meet someone new! But until you do, consider asking people at church who they are praying for and adopt their loved one as your own commitment while we as a church are praying the miracle. 

A handful of thoughts for the week:  

• Ask God who HE might want you to focus on this year.
• Consider your spheres of influence. Is there anyone in your family, workplace, friend group, or neighborhood who God might be calling you to pray for this year?
• Your two people might already be on your prayer list. That is okay!
• This is not a commitment to pray for ONLY two people this year. Rather, we hope you will commit to praying for at LEAST two people.
•  Don’t be afraid to intercede for someone who might be a believer. If you aren’t sure if they are saved or not, you can still ask God to give them faith that leads to eternal life!