-Corrie ten Boom
It may seem obvious, but discipleship without prayer is like a car without gasoline. Prayer is the fuel for our spiritual growth. Christ and His story (the Bible) are the foundation and the source material for discipleship, but prayer provides a connection with the Living God. As most believers know, there are few things in our walk with the Lord that build faith more than answered prayer.
Commit to pray with those you're discipling. This is not simply a transitional element to begin or end your intentional time together. It is not merely a quick blessing or a cry for help in times of need. Prayer is all of those things, but it also so much more. Prayer offers an opportunity for believers to commune together with God. Let that last statement sink in. We can commune with almighty God! There is no need for mediators because Christ is our one Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5).
It's also of the utmost importance that we recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in the discipleship process. He is actively involved in our prayer times. He can guide us in how to pray. He can give words when we don't know what to say. He can even speak things that words can't communicate. The atoning work of Christ tells us why we are able to pray, and the Holy Spirit shows us how to pray.
I would challenge you to make prayer a significant part of the discipleship process. Pray for your discipler/disciplee each day, whether you communicate with them or not. Start and close each intentional meeting with prayer, and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in opportunities to stop during your time together and pray.
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." -Js. 5:16
No comments:
Post a Comment