Praying in Discipling Relationships...

“I’ll pray for you!”

We often throw out this platitude to friends, but how often do we follow through with praying for them? As I consider my relationships in the church, I long to be a brother in Christ who is committed to prayer. If we define Discipling as “deliberately doing spiritual good to someone so that he or she will be more like Christ,” then certainly prayer plays a critical role in our discipling relationships. So, as we influence and disciple each other, we would be wise to consider how to incorporate prayer in our daily interactions.

COMMIT TO PRAYING IN YOUR DISCIPLING RELATIONSHIPS.

Russell, C. (2016). Praying in Discipling Relationships among Sisters. 9Marks Journal.

What sets your Christian relationships apart from other friendships? I have (I’m sure you do to) plenty of non-Christian family who are “thinking of me” and “sending good vibes my way,” but what’s most valuable in my life are those folks whom I know are committed to praying for me. I long to be that type of friend in my own discipling relationships within the church.

Pray for the church to

“Hold on to what is good.”

To “Stay away from every kind of evil.”

That the “God of peace” would sanctify us completely.

Pray for His total keeping power over us, that we’ll be blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank Him, because the One who calls us to Himself in salvation is faithful and has promised to do it.

PRAY THE BIBLE

Praying God’s Word is a powerful tool in our fight for holiness. When our hearts are prone to wander, and we’re tempted to follow our emotions, it’s a gift to have a fellow Christian willing to pray Scripture with you. There have been plenty of times when I don’t know exactly how to pray for someone, but thankfully Scripture is sufficient. Sometimes, the best way to begin is to cry out “We do not know what to do, but we look to You.” ()

HELPFUL REMINDERS

As we pray for church family in Christ, here are some helpful reminders:

1. Pray God’s attributes.

Remind one another today in prayer of who God is; Praise Him for being sovereign, unchanging, holy, all-knowing, etc.

2. Pray the promises of the gospel.

Remember God’s precious gift of salvation through Christ. We have an incorruptible inheritance kept in heaven for us, and God remembers our transgressions no more. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness.

3. As you pray, keep in mind who God has called us to be in Christ.

We are prone to forget that we are children, chosen, redeemed, and forgiven.

4. Pray through specific passages for that person.

Open that concordance and let God’s living and active Word speak! The epistles are a great place to turn to pray for one another.

In discipling others, I might call someone to turn from sin, but greater brokenness comes when we pray together.

I can speak words of comfort to someone struggling with anxiety, but praying usually brings more comfort.

When a friend is questioning if God’s plan for her life is good, speaks matchless words.

As we pray prayers of praise and thankfulness, as we cry out for provision and mercy, filling our words with Scripture grounds our hearts in truth and draws us to deeper faith in Christ.

Russell, C. (2016). Praying in Discipling Relationships among Sisters. 9Marks Journal.