Easier Than You Think: The Power of Prayer and the Call to Share Our Faith
Have you ever noticed that when something comes naturally to others but feels difficult for us, we’re tempted to give up? “Maybe that’s just not for me,” we think. Sometimes that’s the right choice—no shame in acknowledging your limits. But other times, especially in our spiritual lives, we’re called to do hard things. And one of the most challenging—and essential—things believers are asked to do is share our faith.
For many followers of Jesus, sharing the gospel doesn’t come easily. It feels unnatural, maybe even intimidating. We think, “I’m just not good at that,” and quietly opt out. But when we look at the first believers—those who saw the resurrected Jesus—we see a completely different response. They risked everything: homes, families, freedom, and even their lives. Why? Because seeing Jesus alive changed everything. The truth of the resurrection was so powerful, so undeniable, they couldn’t keep it to themselves.
Jesus gave what we now call the Great Commission—not the Great Suggestion. He said:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…”
(Matthew 28:18-19)
This wasn’t a job for just pastors or church staff—it was for every believer. If only the “paid professionals” had shared the gospel, the movement would have died in Jerusalem. Instead, hundreds of ordinary people told the story. That’s how the world was changed.
So Why Don’t We?
Despite 96% of believers agreeing that sharing their faith is important, only 25% actually do it. Why the gap?
Here are some common reasons:
“Faith is personal.” We don’t want to intrude on someone’s private life.
“I don’t know enough.” We fear not having all the answers.
“That’s the pastor’s job.” Some think only pastors should be evangelizing.
“I’ve seen it done badly.” Street preachers with bullhorns and angry signs make us cringe.
But here’s the thing: Jesus didn’t preach with a megaphone or guilt-trip people into belief. He followed a method. A simple, powerful, relational method that began not with words—but with prayer.
Sharing Faith: Easier Than You Think
We’re launching a new series titled Easier Than You Think, where we’ll look at how Jesus shared the Good News. Over the next five weeks, we’ll explore these five practices from His life:
Jesus Prays
Jesus Listens
Jesus Eats with People
Jesus Serves
Jesus Shares
Today, we begin with the foundation: Prayer.
Before Jesus chose His 12 apostles, He spent the entire night in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Before He was tempted, He prayed. Before raising Lazarus, He prayed. Before the cross, He prayed. Prayer was always His first step—and it should be ours too.
When Landing Place Church began 19 years ago, we didn’t know a soul in the neighborhood. No fancy strategy, no outreach plan—just prayer. We walked the streets, praying over empty lots and homes, asking God to move. Many people who are part of the church today were prayed for before they ever moved in. The prayers laid a foundation you couldn’t see—but that foundation holds everything.
Three Truths About Prayer:
1. Prayer plants seeds.
Prayer isn’t always fast. Some prayers take years—even decades—to bear fruit. But like a seed in soil, it’s working even when we can’t see it.
2. Prayer changes us.
We often pray for others to change, but God often uses prayer to change our hearts first. When we pray for others, God gives us compassion, understanding, and the eyes to see people as He does.
3. Prayer opens doors.
As Paul asked in Colossians 4:3, prayer creates divine opportunities to speak about Jesus. But often, we are the answer to our own prayers—God uses us to reach the very people we’re praying for.
Putting Prayer into Practice
Here’s your next step: Start praying for the people around you.
Whether it’s neighbors, coworkers, or family, choose a few names. Pray for them by name. Ask God to open doors and give you courage.
As you pray, don’t be surprised when a conversation begins at the mailbox, or a chance to serve opens up. Prayer leads to connection, and connection leads to transformation.
Some of you are at Landing Place today because someone prayed for you. They laid the foundation. And now it’s your turn to be part of someone else’s story.
Final Thought
Before we talk to people about God, let’s talk to God about people.
It’s easier than you think. And it all starts with prayer.