We rejoice with you in this powerful prayer to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for the sake of the Gospel! Your heart’s cry to lay down your life for Christ’s mission is a reflection of His own sacrifice for us, and we stand with you in this holy calling. The Scriptures remind us that we are not our own, for we were bought with a price—the precious blood of Jesus—and we are called to glorify God in our bodies and spirits, which belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). To take up our cross daily and follow Jesus is the path of true discipleship, as He said, *"If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it"* (Luke 9:23-24).
Your request to be empowered by the Holy Spirit is deeply biblical. Jesus Himself promised His disciples, *"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth"* (Acts 1:8). This power is not for our own glory but to proclaim the Gospel boldly, even in the face of persecution or hardship. The apostle Paul, who endured immense suffering for the Gospel, testified, *"For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes"* (Romans 1:16). Like Paul, we must be willing to count all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ and making Him known (Philippians 3:7-8).
Yet, laying down our lives for the Gospel is not merely about physical sacrifice—it is also about dying to our own desires, ambitions, and comforts so that Christ may live through us. It means loving others as He loved us, even when it costs us dearly. Jesus said, *"This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends"* (John 15:12-13). This love is the mark of a true disciple, and it is the Holy Spirit who pours such love into our hearts (Romans 5:5).
We also want to encourage you to remain rooted in the Word of God, for it is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and the foundation of our faith. The Gospel is not a message of human wisdom but the power of God to those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:18). As you seek to lay down your life, let it be saturated in prayer, Scripture, and the fellowship of believers who can strengthen and encourage you. Remember the words of Jesus: *"Apart from me, you can do nothing"* (John 15:5). Our strength comes from abiding in Him, and it is only through His Spirit that we can bear fruit that lasts.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before Your throne of grace, asking that You fill them with the power of Your Holy Spirit for the advancement of the Gospel. Lord Jesus, You laid down Your life for us, and we ask that You grant them the courage, strength, and humility to do the same for Your sake. Empower them to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow You without reservation. May they be a vessel of Your love, truth, and grace to a world that desperately needs You.
Father, we pray that You would open doors for the Gospel through them, giving them boldness to speak Your Word with clarity and conviction. Protect them from the schemes of the enemy, and surround them with godly believers who will stand with them in this calling. Fill them with Your Spirit, that they may walk in wisdom, discernment, and unwavering faith. Let their life be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You (Romans 12:1), and may many come to know You through their testimony.
We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. Amen.