10. The Power of the Restaurant Prayer: Boldly Standing Out for Jesus

Have you ever considered using mealtime as an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others? In this blog post, I want to share a simple suggestion that has blessed me on several occasions—the restaurant prayer. By reaching out to waiters or waitresses and offering to pray for them, we open the door for meaningful conversations and opportunities to share the plan of salvation. Through this practice, we can boldly stand out for Jesus, demonstrating His love and compassion to those we encounter.

Engaging in the Restaurant Prayer

When dining out, take a moment to inform your waiter or waitress that you will be praying for the meal. Then, extend an offer by asking, "Is there something I can pray about for you?" While some may decline, there will be occasions when individuals will gladly accept your offer and share their concerns and challenges. This unique opportunity allows us to pray for people of various faith backgrounds or those who have no prior knowledge of God, prayer, or salvation.

The Freedom to Pray the Plan of Salvation

What makes the restaurant prayer even more remarkable is that it is not limited by our own spiritual values. We can seize the opportunity to pray the plan of salvation into any prayer, including a simple dinner prayer. Whether the person we are praying for is a Mormon, Catholic, Hindu, or someone who has drifted away from their faith, we can intercede on their behalf and invite God's transformative power into their lives.

A Memorable Encounter

I recall a particularly memorable experience while dining with two fellow Christian businessmen. We asked our waitress (whom I had encountered before) if there was anything we could pray about for her. She shared about the challenges of caring for her elderly parents, who were dealing with multiple medical issues. As we began to pray, she unexpectedly interrupted our prayer, adding requests for her sick uncle, her friend struggling to find employment, and more. Her interruptions attracted the attention of nearby diners, turning our prayer into a witness of God's love and compassion. Moments like these not only embolden us to share our faith more fervently, but also inspire courage in others who may be listening.

Don't Fear Standing Out for Jesus

Through the restaurant prayer, we can demonstrate our commitment to standing out for Jesus. Fear should not hold us back from sharing His love with others. As the Scripture in Matthew 10:33 reminds us, denying Christ on Earth results in being denied before the Father in heaven. Let us be bold in our faith and unafraid to proclaim the name of Jesus to those around us.

Conclusion

The restaurant prayer is a simple yet impactful way to engage with individuals, demonstrating Christ's love and care. By offering to pray for waiters and waitresses, we create opportunities for heartfelt conversations and the sharing of the plan of salvation. Let us not be afraid to stand out for Jesus, knowing that there are no atheistic heroes. May we boldly and unashamedly share His love, making a lasting impact on the lives of those we encounter.

Matthew 10:33 “But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” NLT