Praying for lost people in your local community is an absolute necessity if you want to be a growing church. Many churches do this in a variety of ways. Here’s a unique twist on effective evangelistic prayer.

Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton, IA, often sees adults come to faith in Christ. That’s because the leadership is very intentional in helping their congregation pray fervently for lost people.

They have developed a prayer card that tears in half.

One half of the card, filled out by people committing to pray for someone, says:

Today I commit to praying regularly for the salvation of: _______ [name].

I have asked others to join me in praying for this person as well, beginning: _______ [date].

(Please inform the church office of updates and answers to our prayers for this person at: _______ [phone number].)

Those making the commitment keep this part of the card.

The other half of the card, which they tear off and turn in, says:

Please join me in praying for the salvation of: _______ [name]

My name:

My phone or email:

Date of request:

The flip side of the half they turn in says:

Dates this person was prayed for:

Following that, there are 12 lines for people to initial when they have prayed.

Reminders and Accountability

When people fill out a card, they put the second half in a basket on the altar of the church. The basket is surrounded by a few candles. During the week, the basket is taken to the prayer room, where people pray often, including three weekly prayer meetings. Those who come to pray pull out the cards and pray for the salvation of the person named.  They also pray that the one who submitted the name will be able to share Christ with that person.

When those in the prayer room finish praying, they initial one of the lines. When all 12 lines are filled, someone from the church contacts the person who submitted the card, asking for updates. If desired, another card can be filled out to request continued prayer.

When someone being prayed for accepts Christ, a candle is lit on the altar by the basket, and the church celebrates during the worship service.

There are several reasons this is so successful at Community Heights.

• Praying for lost people remains at the forefront of everyone’s mind.  Multiple visual cues remind people to continue praying over a long period of time—their cards, the basket, and the candles are seen every Sunday.
• Praying for the believer to be the one who leads his or her friend or family member to Christ is a powerful twist. In addition to the spiritual power that can come from this, those who submit someone’s name know their work is not done. Built-in accountability helps them look for opportunities to share Christ.

For any church to be successful in praying for lost people, constant reminders are needed to keep praying and not give up. This idea allows for accountability and encouragement from others in the congregation.