Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
Amen is the Beginning of Discipleship
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12 NIV).
One of the more challenging scriptures for me has been from 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” The first time I read this I wondered how can I get anything done if I am constantly praying? As I grew and matured spiritually, I began to believe that it is indeed possible to pray nonstop. It’s possible because we can cultivate a spirit that is habitually devotional, keeping our hearts attuned to God. The Greek word for “without ceasing” in 1 Thessalonian 5:17 is “adialeiptos,” which doesn’t mean nonstop — but actually means constantly recurring. In other words, we can punctuate our moments with intervals of recurring prayer.
Part of learning to pray continually, or constantly recurring, is to stay open in prayer. Sometimes after we say amen, we check off prayer on our to-do list and shut down the
conversation. But God has invited us — called us — to pray without ceasing, to keep the conversation going all day, every day. Constant prayer becomes a lifestyle. The more you understand that God is love, the more you will be drawn to him in prayer.
Jesus did not pray constantly but he did live a prayerful life. He modelled for us how prayer can and should be used to connect us to the Father. Prayer is always the first step to anything. So, it follows that prayer is also the first step to discipleship.
One of the greatest evangelists of all time was the Apostle Paul. He was committed to preaching the good news and making disciples. He also understood that there is an essential link between prayer and discipleship. Paul told the Ephesians to pray for one another and asked them to pray for him. “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18-19). Paul recognized the power of prayer and called upon that power to fulfill the Great Commission.
Prayer: Dear Good and gracious God, Thank you for the blessing of prayer. Help us, dear God, to live a life of constant prayer. A life that is lived in you, for you, and to glorify you. May all that we do help fulfill the Great Commission and may all of our activities begin with seeking your Face through prayer. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Generosity is Proven to be Good for the Giver
Generosity is Proven to be Good for the Giver “If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NIV). If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NIV). As Christians, we know that we are called upon to be generous.... -
What Can Grasshoppers and Mustard Seeds Teach Us About Fear?
What Can Grasshoppers and Mustard Seeds Teach Us About Fear? “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV). Fear is our natural response to physical or emotional danger. Fear can be healthy to help us avoid dangerous situations. We often fear situations that are not as serious as we perceive, which can trigger an extreme, and often unnecessary, fight-flight-or-freeze response. As a result, we may find ourselves avoiding challenges that could benefit them in the long run or hanging back during social... -
Lessons Learned In-Between A Broom Tree and a Tamarisk Tree (Part 1)
Lessons Learned In-Between A Broom Tree and a Tamarisk Tree (Part 1) “A voice said to him, Why are you here, Elijah? He replied, “I have been most zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, but the Israelites have forsaken your covenant. They have destroyed your altars and murdered your prophets by the sword. I alone remain, and they seek to take my life” (1 Kings 19:13-14 NIV). The broom tree (or rotem in Hebrew) is a desert shrub that grows across Arabia and throughout the Judean wilderness. Its deep roots draw in the moisture of land that is otherwise barren. In the...