Great Question - "May I Pray for You?"

This great quote comes from Rev. Jorge Acevedo, one of the keynote speakers at our West Ohio Annual Conference worship services earlier this month.

One of the best ways to share your faith in Jesus Christ with someone is to ask this simple question, "May I pray for you?"

One of the reasons that we don't share our faith with others is because we're afraid that we're going to come across too pushy or pious, but this approach of simply asking, "May I pray for you?" is an authentic, genuine, and invitational way of helping someone to experience the presence of Jesus Christ in their life.

To take this a step further, after we ask someone that question, offer to actually pray a ten second prayer right there on the spot with the person. Why only ten seconds? A longer prayer might embarrass someone and a ten second prayer is a great reminder to stick to the main reason for the prayer.

Here's an example of a ten second prayer - "Lord, I pray for my friend Tom, whose wife will be having surgery next Monday. Help them to know that you are with them. Offer them your peace and assurance. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who loves us and promises to be with us always. Amen."

A word of warning - it is so tempting to ramble on once you start praying, but remember to keep it short and concise. Obviously, there are times when a longer prayer is appropriate, but the ten second prayer offers many advantages.

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