The List that changed everything
- Kyle Cannon
- Apr 5, 2023
- 3 min read
Dwight L. Moody was a well-known American evangelist of the 19th century. One of the most inspiring stories about Moody is the list he carried in his pocket of people he prayed for to come to know Jesus. Moody's commitment to sharing the gospel was deep and personal, and he never stopped praying for people to come to faith.
It was not unusual to see Moody with a small, well-worn notebook in his pocket, which he pulled out to pray for the names inscribed on its pages. He would often add new names to the list as he met people in his daily life, and he never stopped praying for those already on it.
The story goes that when Moody died, his children found that list in his pocket. It was a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, wrote: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV).
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
These words remind us that prayer is not just a one-time event or a last resort when things go wrong, but it is a continuous conversation with God that we should have in all circumstances. It's through prayer that we can seek God's guidance, comfort, and strength, and it's through prayer that we can intercede for others and bring their needs before God.
Moody's commitment to prayer was not just about ticking a box or going through the motions. It was a heartfelt desire to see people come to know Christ, and he knew that prayer was the key to seeing God move in miraculous ways.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we can still pray for those in our lives who do not yet know Jesus. We can ask God to open their hearts to the message of Easter and invite them to join us in celebrating the resurrection of our Lord.
For those who have been praying and inviting people to Easter services, thank you. Your commitment to sharing the gospel and inviting others to join in worship is inspiring. Remember, even if the people you've invited haven't responded yet, there's still time. Keep praying and keep inviting. You never know how God might use your efforts to draw someone to himself.
And for those who haven't invited anyone yet, it's not too late. There are still a few days before Easter Sunday. Take a moment to pray and ask God who you can invite. It could be a neighbor, a coworker, a family member, or a friend. Let's follow in Moody's footsteps and commit to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us.
"Every great move of God can be traced to a kneeling figure"
"Every great move of God can be traced to a kneeling figure." Moody's list of names was not just a piece of paper in his pocket, but a physical reminder of the people he was constantly bringing before God in prayer. He understood that prayer was not just an afterthought, but a powerful weapon in the spiritual realm. It was through his persistent and fervent prayer that God moved in miraculous ways, not only in the lives of those on his list but in countless others as well.
This Easter season, let's commit to praying for those who do not yet know Jesus, and let's invite others to join us in worshiping our risen Savior. Let us lift them up before God, asking for His grace to move in their lives and draw them closer to Him. And may we never forget that every great move of God starts with a heart that is willing to kneel before Him in prayer.
