The Sinner’s Prayer

..... In this module we’ve discussed many evangelistic insights, but now let’s proceed to the moment of truth. After we’ve shared the gospel with someone, how do we complete the introduction and actually lead them to the Lord? Paul tells us the Lord’s requirement for this:

.... "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

(Romans 10:9)

.... If your listener has heard the gospel, repented of their sins, and is ready to put it all behind them by beginning a new relationship with the Lord, they must now call on His name in prayer (Acts 2:21). Essentially, it is time for them to rehearse their understanding of the gospel to the Lord in a way that demonstrates their heart in response, so it is better if they use their own words for this. Assure them that God desires to receive their fellowship, and encourage them to speak to Him about it freely (Luke 15:7; Romans 10:10-12; 1 Timothy 2:4).

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.... Sometimes a person means well at this point, and they really want to commit their lives to God, but they feel at a loss for expressing this in words. If this is the case, you might gently ask them what their thoughts are. After they’ve explain them, just ask them to say the same things to the Lord and He’ll understand. But if they can’t even find the words to explain their thoughts, try going over the four points of the gospel again in summary, and making sure they understand them. Then ask them to try praying about it again:

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1. An understanding of who Jesus is (see Romans 10:9)
2. Jesus died for our sins, according to the Scriptures.
3. Jesus was raised again on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
4. Jesus was seen, after His resurrection, by many witnesses.

.... If they are still having a problem putting their thoughts into words, but they’re sure they want to commit themselves, the next best solution is for you to lead them in a "sinner’s prayer". To do this, you would offer a model prayer, and they would repeat it after you. But remember that they must make this confession with their mouth, so it is not enough for them to silently bow their head while you do the praying. And they should meditate on the meaning of these words as they repeat them.

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.... Below is a basic example of a sinner’s prayer. If you are leading them in this prayer, be careful to keep it’s meaning very close to the gospel message itself:..

.... "Lord God, I believe in my heart that You sent Jesus to die for my sins, and that You raised Him from the dead. Thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place; I confess my sins to you now, and I ask you to forgive me. In doing this I surrender my whole life to You, just as Jesus gave His life for me, and I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord. Please guide me and teach me so I can get to know You better, and help me to always follow You in every way."

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Daily Bible Reading: Luke 1