International (MNN) — Are you feeling discouraged because your prayers for loved ones seem to go unanswered? This is where Ron Hutchcraft with Hutchcraft Ministries shares his “three open” prayer approach.
The “three open” prayer is inspired by Paul’s request to God in Colossians 4:3-4:
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”
There are three doors that can be opened before a person receives the good news of Jesus Christ:
1. Lord, open a door of opportunity. “That’s a natural opportunity for me to bring up my relationship with Jesus,” explains Hutchcraft. “So, Lord, open the door. He’ll do that.”
2. Open their heart. “If You’re putting them on my heart to talk to them, would You get their heart ready for when I do? Open their heart.”
3. Open my mouth. “Give me the courage. Give me the words when it’s the time. Give me the tone.”
Open door (photo courtesy of Harrison Haines via Pexels)
When those three doors open, it is a time to share your testimony with honesty and vulnerability. Authenticity is key, as it helps to break down defenses and opens hearts.
If you doubt whether your testimony is interesting enough, Hutchcraft recommends writing a few thoughts on this subject: If it weren’t for Jesus, _____.
“Tell me about your lonely times, with no Jesus. Tell me about your depressing times, and there’s no Jesus. Your world’s falling apart, a relationship is broken. Tell me about bad news from the doctor, and there’s no Jesus, and there’s how about the funeral, and there’s no Jesus,” he says.
“Just begin to think: If it weren’t for Jesus, what difference is He making in your everyday life? That’s your story. That is your hope story!”
Once you’ve shared your testimony, you’re leading your friend or family to the One who changed you — Jesus! It’s His love in dying for your sins and His power in rising from the grave to transform your life.
But what if they aren’t moved? Hutchcraft says it’s not your burden to persuade, but to pray and share truth. God alone leads the rescue from beginning to end. Hutchcraft compares our teamwork with God to a glove:
“You are just the glove. He is the hand! Gloves can’t do anything unless they have a hand in them, and He will put His hand into the glove of your life, and your relationship, and your personality and deliver the good news of Jesus through you!”
To learn more about reaching out to others, visit Hutchcraft Ministries.
Girl holding an “Open” sign (Photo courtesy od Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels)
