Let’s be real for a second—prayer isn’t always easy. You sit down, you close your eyes, and three minutes later, you’re wondering if it’s too early to check your phone. But what if prayer could feel less like a chore and more like the most powerful thing you do all day? That’s the vibe I got from talking to Kai Bowman, author of Evangelistic Prayer and a guy who knows a thing or two about praying with purpose. Let’s dive in.
What Even Is Evangelistic Prayer? Sounds Intense.
Yeah, I thought the same thing. But Kai broke it down simply: evangelistic prayer is praying specifically for the lost and for opportunities to share the Gospel. It’s about asking God to move in people’s lives and empower us to be part of that work.
Kai pointed out something that hit me hard: every major spiritual awakening in history started with prayer. Want proof? Look at the Book of Acts. Before 3,000 people came to Christ on the day of Pentecost, there was a 10-day prayer meeting. Coincidence? Nope. If we want to see lives changed, it’s got to start on our knees.
Wait, Didn’t You Say Prayer Can Be Hard? Like, Really Hard?
Oh, 100%. Kai gets it. He confessed that when he first started praying, he’d run out of steam after three minutes. (Same, Kai. Same.) But instead of giving up, he decided to learn. One game-changer for him was a little book called The Hour That Changes the World by Dick Eastman. It gave his prayer life structure and helped him move from fumbling through to actually enjoying it.
And here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a prayer pro to get started. As Kai said, “Even five minutes of focused prayer can grow into something much bigger.” So don’t overthink it. Just start.
So, What Does Prayer Have to Do with Evangelism?
Here’s the connection: evangelism without prayer is like trying to run a marathon without shoes. (Technically possible, but… ouch.) Kai shared how in Acts, every major move of evangelism was preceded by prayer. Think about it: the disciples spent three and a half years with Jesus, saw Him resurrected, and got a personal crash course on the kingdom of God. But even they weren’t ready to share the Gospel until they’d spent time praying and waiting for the Spirit to empower them.
“Without prayer, effective evangelism is impossible,” Kai said. And that’s coming from a guy who’s spent decades leading churches and prayer movements. If he’s saying it, you know it’s legit.
What If I Don’t Feel Like Praying? Asking for a Friend.
We’ve all been there. You want to pray, but the spark just isn’t there. Kai’s advice? Pray for the desire to pray. (Yes, you can do that!) He quoted Alexander McLaren, who said, “The appetite grows on what feeds it.” In other words, the more you pray, the more you’ll want to pray.
He also shared a practical challenge: for the next 21 days, pray one simple prayer every day: “God, give me a burden for the lost.” It’s not about saying all the right words; it’s about showing up and letting God work on your heart.
Okay, But How Do I Actually Start a Prayer Routine?
This is where Kai got super practical. He gave two big tips:
- Set a Time: Don’t leave it to chance. Put prayer on your calendar like you would any other important meeting. “What time do you pray?” Kai asked. “If the answer is, ‘Whenever I get a chance,’ then you probably don’t have a prayer life.” (Ouch, but fair.)
- Find a Place: Just like you have a spot for eating or working, have a designated place for prayer. Maybe it’s a quiet corner, your car, or even a literal closet. Wherever it is, make it a space where you can focus and connect with God.
And here’s a pro tip: start small. Five minutes a day can grow into something much bigger over time.
But What If My Church Doesn’t Prioritize Prayer?
Kai didn’t sugarcoat this one: a lot of church prayer meetings aren’t great. “Most prayer meetings bear no resemblance to anything in the Bible,” he said. And let’s be honest—if people hear “prayer meeting” and think “boredom,” something’s off.
His advice? Shake things up. Plan a powerful, Spirit-filled prayer meeting for a Sunday morning service. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but when done well, it can reignite a passion for prayer in your congregation. And once people experience the power of prayer firsthand, they’ll want more.
The Big Takeaway
Here’s the bottom line: prayer isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s the foundation for everything we’re called to as Christians. Whether you’re praying for the lost, for boldness in sharing the Gospel, or just for your own heart to be aligned with God’s, it all starts with showing up.
As Kai said, “Pray for the workers.” Ask God to raise up laborers for the harvest and to empower those already on the front lines. And while you’re at it, pray for yourself—because the world needs what you have to offer.
Want to learn more? Check out Kai’s books, Evangelistic Prayer and City of Prayer, and follow him on social media (@kiebowman). And remember: prayer isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up and letting God do the rest.