Day 6 - Pray for the Spread of the Gospel in the World

I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? Luke 18:8

Jesus asked an intriguing question at the end of the Parable of the Persistent Widow. “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” What is the answer? Jesus only raised the question; he did not provide an answer. He left the matter for us to ponder. Perhaps the question is intended to provide us incentive for the spread of the gospel. When Christ returns, will he find faith on the earth?

What is the state of faith in America today? Around the world? We might answer that it is a “mixed assortment.” In some places today, like Africa, Christianity is growing at a phenomenal rate. In Western Europe, however, it seems to be fading. In America, the church is strong and vital in many places, but secularism and unbelief are also rising.

The church must always pray for the spread of the gospel. While the proclamation of the gospel is the work of the church, it is not done in our own effort. The Holy Spirit must open people’s hearts to hear and receive the gospel. For this reason, the church must pray.

One thing for which we must pray is for God to call laborers into the fields. Jesus said that the harvest was plentiful but the laborers few. Therefore, we should pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to “send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 8:38). The call to ministry comes from God. It is God who moves the hearts of people. Jesus said that we should pray earnestly. For God to send out laborers should be a constant topic of our prayers.

Today pray for the spread of the gospel in our community, our state, our nation, and the world. Pray earnestly that God, the Lord of the harvest, would call people to be sent out for this work.