Praying Forward

A three-part video series presented by Mark Greenwood and Sarah Whittleston that inspires and equips Christians to be more purposeful in their prayers

Prayer has always been at the centre of the church’s mission. Before strategies are developed, events are planned or conversations are had, prayer prepares the ground for God to work. It is this conviction that lies behind Praying Forward, a new resource from Elim Prayer designed to help believers pray intentionally for friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues who do not yet know Jesus or who once knew the Lord.

Presented by Mark Greenwood and Sarah Whittleston, the three-part video series seeks to inspire and equip Christians to become more purposeful in their prayers for those around them.

At a time when many believers long to see friends and loved ones come to faith but are unsure where to begin, Praying Forward offers a simple, accessible and practical pathway.

The series is built on a straightforward but profound idea: prayer matters. God invites his people to partner with him in his mission, and one of the most powerful ways we do that is through faithful, consistent prayer.

Rather than focusing on programmes or methods, Praying Forward encourages participants to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer that is rooted in love, hope and expectation.

Across the three sessions, Mark and Sarah explore both the biblical foundations and practical realities of praying for those who are not yet following Christ. Drawing on Scripture and personal experience, they remind viewers that coming to faith is often a journey. While we may long for immediate results, God is frequently at work in ways we cannot see, gently drawing people towards himself through a series of conversations, experiences and encounters.

One of the key themes of the series is learning to recognise and celebrate every step people take towards Jesus. Rather than viewing faith as a single moment, Praying Forward encourages believers to see the bigger picture of God’s work in a person’s life. This perspective helps cultivate patience and perseverance in prayer, even when visible change seems slow.

The resource also provides practical tools to help participants turn intention into action. Viewers are encouraged to identify specific people they want to pray for, commit to praying regularly and connect with others who can support and encourage them on the journey. These simple steps create a framework that helps prayer become an ongoing habit rather than an occasional response.

Mark and Sarah bring warmth, authenticity and encouragement to each session. Their conversational style makes the content accessible while keeping the focus firmly on God’s heart for people. Together they challenge viewers to believe that God is still transforming lives and that every Christian has a role to play in his mission.

The final session addresses a challenge many believers will recognise: fear. Whether it is fear of rejection, fear of saying the wrong thing or simply a lack of confidence, these concerns can often prevent Christians from sharing their faith. The series encourages participants to pray not only for those they hope will come to know Christ, but also for themselves, asking God for wisdom, courage and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Ultimately, Praying Forward is about more than a three-part course. It is an invitation to align our hearts with God’s heart for people.

In a world searching for hope, Praying Forward reminds us that one of the most powerful things we can do is engage with faithful and faith-filled prayer.