Prayer is not just preparation for ministry—it is the ministry. Before I speak, before I disciple, before I lead, I pray. In every step of ministry, prayer is the foundation that fuels transformation, opens doors, and prepares hearts to receive the gospel. As I’ve often heard, when we pray, God moves—and I believe that now more than ever! God is on the move in this generation, and we are seeing Him work in powerful ways among students on college campuses.
Prayer is the First Step in Evangelism
Many times, we think of evangelism as starting with words—sharing scripture, having deep conversations, or inviting someone to an event. But the truth is, before we ever speak, we should be praying. Prayer invites God to soften hearts, create divine encounters, and work beyond what we can see.
Jesus Himself modeled this in His ministry. Before beginning His public mission, He withdrew into the wilderness to pray and fast for 40 days (Luke 4:1-2). Before choosing His disciples, He spent the night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12-13). And before facing the cross, He knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed for strength (Luke 22:41-44). If Jesus—fully God and fully man—prioritized prayer before taking action, how much more should we?
I’ve seen this firsthand in my work on college campuses. Before outreach events, before conversations with students, I walk the campus and pray. I ask God to reveal Himself to those searching, to open hearts, and to prepare opportunities for meaningful conversations. And time after time, those prayers are answered—not always in the way I expect, but always in a way that shows me that God is moving long before I arrive.
Prayer Sustains the Work of Ministry
Ministry is not about what we can accomplish in our own strength; it is about what God does through us. Without prayer, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on our own efforts. But when we consistently pray, we are reminded that this is God’s work, not ours.
Paul understood this when he wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). No matter how much effort we put into planting seeds of faith, it is ultimately God who brings the increase. This truth shapes my ministry—whether I’m leading Bible studies, discipling students, or praying for campuses, I know that it is God who changes hearts, not me.
Some of the most powerful moments in ministry happen not in large events, but in small, prayerful moments of listening and intercession. Praying with students, praying for their struggles, and seeing God respond in their lives is one of the most incredible parts of this calling. I’ve had students open up about deep wounds, personal doubts, and struggles with faith—all because they felt the presence of God through prayer.
A Tradition of Constant Prayer
Ever since I was young, I was taught to pray. Among my people, prayer is not just something we do in times of need—it is a way of life. The old Indians would pray to the Great Spirit from the moment they rose, before they ate, and before they slept. Many would sing prayer songs at sunrise, asking for guidance and protection throughout the day. Others would offer prayers before a hunt, giving thanks for what was provided. Prayer wasn’t just a moment of conversation with the Creator—it was an ongoing relationship, woven into daily life.
This practice has shaped me deeply. When I walk a campus and pray, I am carrying forward a tradition that has been passed down for generations—one that understands that prayer isn’t just about asking for things, but about aligning our hearts with the Creator’s will. This is why prayer is not just part of my ministry—it is my ministry.
When We Pray, God Moves
Throughout scripture, we see the power of prayer:
- Jesus prayed before major moments in His ministry (Luke 6:12).
- The early church prayed and saw the Holy Spirit move powerfully (Acts 4:31).
- Paul encouraged believers to pray without ceasing, knowing that prayer is key to endurance and mission (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
- James reminds us that “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
- Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
In my own ministry, I’ve seen that prayer is the difference-maker. When I commit to interceding for students, faculty, and campuses, I see God show up in ways I never could have orchestrated on my own. Conversations happen at just the right time, students open up about their struggles, and hearts begin to soften to the message of Jesus. Prayer doesn’t just prepare the way—it is the way.
How You Can Pray for This Ministry
I invite you to be part of this work through prayer. Here are some ways you can pray: ✔ For students – That they would encounter Jesus in ways that make sense to them. ✔ For campuses – That doors would open for the gospel to be shared boldly. ✔ For endurance – That I and others in ministry would stay faithful and strong in this calling. ✔ For divine appointments – That God would orchestrate life-changing conversations. ✔ For revival – That students, faculty, and entire campus communities would be transformed by the power of the gospel.
Prayer is not just something we do—it is the foundation of everything in ministry. Thank you for praying, for supporting, and for being part of the work God is doing!
