Pray For Lost Sheep

HomeGeneralPray For Lost Sheep
01
Jul '21

Pray For Lost Sheep

01
Jul '21

Written by Pat McKain

What is a lost sheep according to Scripture? A lost sheep is one who strays away from the shepherd. For our purposes, a “lost sheep” is someone who doesn’t follow Jesus, our shepherd.

 

Scripture talks a lot about lost sheep. In Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable about leaving the flock to find the one who is lost. When the sheep is found, there is much rejoicing. He ends the parable with , “ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.”

 

So how do we pray for those who are lost? We all have family members or people we know who are not following Jesus. We need to turn our grief into prayer! Several things come to mind as we decide how to pray for them.

 

Pray persistently. Never give up! 

 

Pray with hope and faith that they will come to the Lord. We realize that people make their own choices, but God can soften their hearts to hear from Him.

 

Pray that God will bring people into their lives that will influence them to hear Truth.

 

Live in such a way that others will desire the peace you have. Model Christlike living. You have heard the quote by St. Francis of Assisi , “ Preach the Gospel at all times; use words when necessary.” In Tony’s sermon on May 23rd entitled “Bender of Elements: Fire,” he talked about praying, then proclaiming. But you have to get the first part first! Pray, pray, pray!!! Then as the Lord directs, use words when necessary.

 

What if you don’t see results? Continue praying….

 

My mother came to the Lord when she was a teenager. Her mother was a Believer, but her father was not. For many years, they prayed for my grandfather. He seemed hardened and unrepentant. They continued to pray. As they prayed and as time passed, the Lord worked on his heart. Before he died, he confessed Jesus as his Savior. What if they had given up?

 

 I have been comforted many times knowing that our prayers have no expiration date. They continue working even when we don’t see results. They continue working even when we are not present to see results. Our job is to pray and rejoice when the “lost sheep” come home to the Shepherd.

^