Praying together is how we both show and grow in our concern with one another’s lives, putting each other in the hands of the one who can solve all problems.
But one of our continued challenges as a church family, is playing our part in helping others become disciples of Jesus. We often lean one of two ways. It’s all God’s work (apathy) or I wish I could do it more or better (anxiety).
When it comes to making disciples which word best describes you, apathetic or anxious?
The remedy for either of these enemies (apathy/anxiety) is prayer. Prayer is the link that connects God’s sovereignty to our responsibility.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
When we pray for God to save someone, we are admitting that God alone has the power to save. When we thank God for our salvation, we are admitting God saved us, we didn’t save ourselves. God’s sovereignty in saving can diminish our anxiety and apathy.
Prayer also empowers our activity for making disciples. It helps fill us with concern for those who are lost. Through regular prayer, we keep our concern for the lost fresh inside us. It doesn’t erase the obstacles (apathy/anxiety), rather it replaces them with boldness and compassion.
Who are you committing to pray for consistently, that they may follow Jesus?
When we pray for the salvation of another person’s soul, we are connecting to the very heart of God.
May we be a church family who pray boldly and compassionately, that the people God brings into our lives, will become followers of Jesus.
