I once wrote a weekly newsletter for small group leaders. In these Thoughts on Discipleship posts, I reprint those articles.
Let’s talk about prayer.
Prayer is essential for a healthy walk with Jesus, yet it is the one spiritual discipline where all believers can improve. None of us pray too MUCH. Who among us would even claim that?
Research done by Missions International studying prayer in small groups showed that 83% of groups whose leaders have a faithful prayer life have seen people come to faith in Christ from within their group. This does not mean that prayer guarantees conversions. However, it does show that group leaders who are faithful in their respective walks with Christ are more likely to lead faithful groups in their outreach. Make sure there is a time for prayer requests and prayer at your group gatherings, and pray over those requests between meetings.
One trick I learned long ago… if someone asks you to pray for them, do so right then and there. Even if circumstances do not allow you to pray together with the person right then and there, pray for them silently within the next five minutes or less. Then, note the request so you can continue praying for it later. This way, you don’t agree to pray for them and then forget!
One last thing. It is never too late to improve your prayer life. I have been a believer for over 42 years and I still struggle. My finite little brain forgets or doesn’t plan well or gets distracted or fill-in-the-blank-with-your-own-reasons-for-not-praying-enough. If this is an area where you struggle, repent and ask the Holy Spirit to help you! Then get to prayin’! Why we are sometimes reluctant to communicate directly with THE God who created everything we have ever known or experienced is beyond me.
Not a Camouflaged Soul 