1 Samuel 12:23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.

The first rule in disciple-making is prayer. We’ve got to start with prayer, continue in prayer, and finish in prayer. (Though there really is no finish to growth as a disciple on this earth.) There is no way that anyone can do personally all that needs to be done for anyone entering the path of a disciple, so we are driven to our knees asking God to take care of it. The good news is that He will! One thing about this verse that is particularly important is that the failure to pray is sin. We don’t think a lot about sins of omission, but they are just as real and just as much in need of repentance and forgiveness as sins of commission. Again, no single individual could possibly pray about all the things that call for prayer in their church, much less their city, nation or the world. We’ve got to let the Holy Spirit show us what and how to pray and not feel guilty about not praying for every Tom, Dick, and Harry, but we have specific responsibility to pray for those whom we are leading into discipleship.

This is an area where I still have a lot of room for growth. As a pastor I have responsibility for everyone in the church, but the sheer volume of prayer that is called for is overwhelming. At times I have escaped into relative prayerlessness, and that certainly isn’t the answer! The gift of tongues is a real blessing, and I need to exercise it more and more, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through me the many things I have no idea how to pray. I also need to be more focused in my prayer for the specific individuals I am currently mentoring. I have absolutely no excuse for any failure to pray for them! I desire that this be a house of prayer indeed, and I’ve got to set the example and lead the way, so that we may indeed grow in every area to match the blueprint God has for us, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the truly blessed day yesterday, not just the gorgeous weather for the church picnic but especially for the beautiful fellowship and openness to one another and to You. Our differing gifts make for friction sometimes, but all those gifts are needed. Help me pray accurately and effectively for each person and help them pray for each other, and for me, so that nothing may hinder what You desire to do and are doing in and among and through us, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!