By Alex Murashko

Evangelist Greg Laurie went straight to the essence of Harvest Crusades on its 35th anniversary at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on Saturday (7/20) by giving a message that explained the “Sinner’s Prayer.” After he was done with his message and invited those in attendance wanting to accept Jesus into their hearts down onto the field, he asked those who remained seated to join those on the field in the same prayer.

More than 3,500 of the 50,000 in attendance at the Harvest Crusade 2024 made professions of faith highlighted by the resounding prayer inside the stadium.

The ‘Sinner’s Prayer’ refers to a heartfelt plea to God in which a person expresses belief in God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, repents for their sins, and asks Him to forgive them and be the Lord of their life. Many believe, and Harvest states, “This prayer is a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of a changed life. It’s often the first words spoken in a person’s lifelong communication with God.”

The prayer includes an acknowledgment of our sins, a commitment to turn away from them, and a sincere desire for Jesus to enter our hearts and life as our Savior and Lord.

Laurie explained to those in attendance and those watching online that there isn’t a specific chapter and verse in the Bible that outlines the “Sinner’s Prayer.” The Bible reveals the importance of a heartfelt confession and repentance, rather than a specific set of words to repeat.

This verse highlights the core elements:

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” — Romans 10:9 NKJV

A gospel tract simplified the experience of coming to Jesus Christ to four R-words:

Realize you are a sinner.
Recognize that Jesus died on the cross for you.
Repent of your sin.
Receive Jesus Christ into your life.

That makes a great outline for a sinner’s prayer, no matter what words you use. It might sound something like this:

Lord Jesus, I want to have a personal relationship with You. I know I am a sinner and I believe You died on the cross for my sins. I turn from those sins and put my faith in You right now to be my Lord and Savior, my God and Friend. Thank You for hearing this prayer. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“The real focus of the Harvest Crusade is the proclamation of the gospel,” said Laurie in a Harvest recap video post. “When the invitation was given, 5,000 people made a profession of faith. Thirty-five hundred of them did it in person, walking down on the field. Another 1,500 prayed that prayer online. We had another 200,000 people watching us online.”

The event will soon be available in archive form online, on TV, and on social media outlets which will enable thousands of more people to view the outreach, Laurie said.

He emphasized, “We are giving God the glory for what He did.”

To learn more about the Harvest Crusade 2024 and a recap go to Harvest.org.

Alex Murashko is a journalist and writing team leader for Think Eternity, a site for powerful faith content to help you live the fulfilled life in Jesus. Murashko is also founder of Media on Mission.

Connect on X (formerly Twitter): @AlexMurashko.