Wittnessing

It's hard to know because you have not told us anything about how you present the gospel.
IMHO if the gospel is presented properly a prayer would serve to firm up in the believer's mind what they have already believed and accepted.

 

I agree Bill. I have seen "prayers" for salvation misused. Personally, I don't think it is right to have everybody in a crowd at a "so-called" Christian concert to do a "repeat after me" prayer.

On the other hand, a person who has been completely presented the plan of salvation, who wants to do it, who can answer questions about what they are doing, the prayer does solidify and give the person a reference in their mind. Even though technically, the salvation may have occurred the very instant that they understood and accepted it in their mind.

It is a mistake to think that all people are saved after they walk the aisle and talk to the pastor. Often, people who understand may very well be saved the instant they decide that they accept Jesus, even before stepping into an aisle. Then again, a child or person with little knowledge of salvation may require a lot of counciling before they understand and accept.

I do think there is too much emphasis put on a "prayer" that must be said. I have heard pastors say if you cannot remember praying that sinners prayer you are not saved. Weeellllll, I think that is a bit much.

Just my 2 cents.