When we think about sharing our faith, we often picture deep conversations about life and faith, sharing testimonies, or inviting people to church. But when he writes about evangelism in Colossians 4, Paul begins elsewhere: “Devote yourselves to prayer…” (Col. 4:2).

As a teenager, my summers were full of church activities. I was often away from home for months at a time, attending youth camps as a camper, counselor, or worship musician. My home church had a tradition in which, as soon as the cars were packed and the trucks were strapped down, our pastor would gather everyone leaving for camp, commission us, and lead us in prayer. It marked the beginning of the work – camp season was officially underway.

It can be easy to feel that way about prayer: treating it like a spiritual think tank where ministry intent germinates before the work of ministry begins. But prayer isn’t simply the precursor to the work or the launch pad for Christian camping ministry or, in our case, evangelism. Prayer isn’t preparation for ministry. It is ministry.

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus, at the height of His public ministry, consistently making time for the private ministry of prayer. 

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” Luke 6:12

“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray…” Matthew 14:23a

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35

“Once when Jesus was praying in private…” Luke 9:18a

“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.” Luke 9:28

Prayer was central to Jesus’ ministry, and Paul understood this. That’s why he urges the believers in Colossae to pray, specifically asking that God would open a door for the message.

This week, as you think about those you know who don’t yet know Jesus, pray for them, asking God to soften their hearts. Pray that He would open a door for the gospel. As you pray, be assured that you are participating in the work of God’s kingdom.

Before a door ever opens publicly, God is often at work privately. So don’t underestimate the ministry of prayer. God has chosen to accomplish His purposes through the prayers of His people. In His kingdom, the one who receives is the one who asked; the one who finds is the one who sought; and the one for whom a door is opened is the one who knocked.

Final thought: If you picked up a “Lord, open a door today” sticker or magnet on Sunday, place it where you’ll see it often this week. Every time you notice it, pause for a moment and pray those words.