Colossians 4:2-4

Prayer is a vital part of the mission of God and reveals His direction in our lives.  Once the Lord has revealed the people He is calling you to, begin praying for and blessing them.  As you continue to build relationship with these people and places, regularly ask them how you can be praying for them and take the time to pray with them.

Action Step: Create a list of people that the Lord is calling you to pray over and BLESS. Pray the following: 

• That God stirs a desire in them to know Him.

• That the Lord opens their eyes to His work and His desire to know them. 

• How can I reach out and be a blessing to them? 

James 1:19-20

Listening helps us get to know people.  Listening helps us understand what people are dealing with, what they are working through, and what excites them.  We can listen to their fears, worries, and concerns.  We can ask what their passions are.  We can find out where and how they want to grow.  Don't talk, but listen to people, their struggles, and their pains in the places God sends you.

Action Step: Take time to listen to the people God puts in front of you. 

• How can you pray for them? 

• Is the Lord revealing something specific they may need? 

Acts 2:46

We all LOVE to eat!  And we typically eat twenty-one times a week.  Just include people in this.  There is something about eating together that moves any relationship past acquaintances and toward friendship.  When, if possible, invite these people that you are trying to bless into your home.  The home setting creates a shared place of comfort and vulnerability.  It welcomes people to share their lives and builds genuine friendship.  You can also have a meal with people at a restaurant or have a cup of coffee.

Action Step: Make a plan to invite someone to coffee, to lunch, or to your home for dinner. It might even be fun to cook the meal together!

1 Peter 4:10-11

As you're listening to people share about their lives, look for ways you can serve them.  People will tell you how they need to be served.  Listen and be willing to step into the places that they are ready to welcome you.  Frequently these will be simple and seemingly mundane tasks, however, these tasks often bless people far beyond what we can imagine.  Service is about the person that is being served and not the service that is being done.

Action Step: Ask the Lord how to serve someone. 

• Be willing to mow their lawn or rake their leaves.

• Bake a dessert to share with them. 

• Go to the store or run an errand for them. 

• Most importantly, listen for the places they are asking for help and look for places where they may be willing to allow you to serve. 

2 Timothy 1:8-9

When the time is right, share your story, the story of how Jesus changed your life.  Sometimes they will even ask about your story.  Your account of finding Jesus is compelling.  Don’t be afraid if they ask you something you don’t know.  It is ok to say, "I am not sure, but I will try to find out."

Action Step: Share your story with someone today. 

• What was your life like before you met Jesus? 

• What does it look like now? 

• What difference has knowing Jesus made in your life? (marriage healed, acceptance and unconditional love, peace from anxiety, etc.)