We come before the throne of grace with hearts full of gratitude for the wisdom of God’s "foolish plan" of preaching the gospel, for indeed, "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18 WEB). We rejoice that the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17 WEB). Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17 WEB), and it is by grace through faith that we are saved, not of ourselves, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB).
Father, we lift up those who are hearing the gospel for the first time or are being drawn deeper into its truth. We ask that You would grant them revelation and understanding, that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened to know the hope of Your calling (Ephesians 1:17-18 WEB). Open their ears to hear Your voice, for Your sheep hear Your voice, and You know them, and they follow You (John 10:27 WEB). May they drink deeply of the living water You offer, for whoever drinks of the water that You give will never thirst again (John 4:14 WEB).
Lord, we pray for spiritual hunger in those who hear Your word. As newborn babies long for the pure milk of the word, may they grow in respect to salvation (1 Peter 2:2 WEB). Protect them from the evil one, who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10 WEB). Guard their hearts and minds from the deceitfulness of sin, for "the seed on the rocky ground are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away when temptation comes" (Luke 8:13 WEB). We ask for angelic protection over them, as You have commanded Your angels concerning them to guard them in all their ways (Psalm 91:11 WEB). May no weapon formed against them prosper, and may every tongue that rises against them in judgment be condemned (Isaiah 54:17 WEB).
Father, we thank You for the growth that only You can give. We are merely servants, planting and watering, but You are the One who causes the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 WEB). We pray that those who hear the gospel would not only receive it but also bear fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty (Matthew 13:23 WEB). May they walk in the light as You are in the light, having fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ Your Son cleansing them from all sin (1 John 1:7 WEB).
We also recognize that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 WEB). If any among those hearing the gospel have not yet confessed Jesus as Lord, we pray that the Holy Spirit would convict them of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8 WEB). May they turn from their sins and trust in Christ alone for salvation, for "if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9 WEB).
We stand in the gap for those who are being targeted by the enemy, who seeks to snatch the word from their hearts before it can take root (Mark 4:15 WEB). We rebuke every lie of the devil that would hinder their faith, and we declare that no one can snatch them out of Your hand (John 10:28 WEB). We pray for perseverance in their faith, that they would not grow weary or fall away but would endure to the end (Matthew 24:13 WEB).
Father, we thank You for the privilege of being co-laborers with You in this great harvest. May Your word go forth and accomplish the purpose for which You sent it (Isaiah 55:11 WEB). We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.