Prayer Partners – The Disciple-Making Lifestyle

Man is God’s highest creation. However, it is only when we discover His purpose that we appreciate the meaning of His plans. The Bible says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) Therefore, it is only after we experience spiritual rebirth through personal faith in Christ that we begin to understand life’s amazing potential (See John 1:10-12).

Universally, our personal spiritual dawning first arrives when we are honestly seeking to know our Creator. He promised, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) We are individually invited to become active members of His eternal family. As we live in the knowledge and experience of His grace, we slowly become more like Him. This process includes learning to faithfully communicate His love. This is an evidence of our personal growth and advancing spiritual hunger.

Our Lord prophesied, “…and you will be My witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). You may be thinking “that’s exactly what I want, but how can having a prayer partner help me get there?” That answer requires only two words, start praying together to – trust and obey! None of us can serve God by passively sitting on the sidelines. When the Lord says, “be my witnesses” – He expects exactly that! Our ultimate spiritual fulfillment always comes from learning how to serve in His Great Commission.

For God’s grace to spread naturally from life to life in city after city, salvation’s redeeming message must first be experienced. Only then can it be meaningfully shared. The Apostle Paul provided this example after meeting the Savior on the road to Damascus. He had clearly experienced God’s message which he referred to when he wrote, “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored…” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

Life’s greatest privilege is to personally participate in sharing God’s “truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Doing this is a ministry exclusively reserved for the household of God. Those who are simply content to be lukewarm spectators will never have a role in Great Commission outreach. Church members may huddle together tightly on Sunday, but those seats should be empty on Monday because of their much-needed service.

We know Paul experienced intercession for his ministry team because he wrote the early believers in Thessalonica saying, “…pray for us…” He did this because he understood the power of prayer and greatly valued the importance of doing the Lord’s work effectively. This is why he wisely lived with daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. He also advised us saying, “…follow my example.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Like his fellow apostles, Paul comprehended the importance of ministry that relies on empowering intercession. With that in mind, are you ready to ask a Christian friend to join you in praying for your mutual needs and opportunities? How deep is your passion for sharing what you – know to be true? No one can meaningfully follow their calling while merely observing the ministry of others. Christian discipleship requires that we – participate. This means desiring the death of whatever hinders our obedience!

Will you now actively begin seeking a dedicated Christian friend who will be your prayer partner? Choose someone who will faithfully intercede on your behalf. Remember that “Iron sharpens iron…” (Proverbs 27:17). This is why we all need several dedicated Christian prayer partners for encouragement and accountability!