July 19 | Disciples Pray

Series | The Life of Discipleship

Scripture | Matthew 6:6, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Lesson 19 | Disciples Pray

Prayer is the lifeline of every child of God; no true disciple can live without its daily blessings.  Every good thing the disciple will ever receive will come through prayer.  In prayer the Holy Spirit applies the Words of God personally to the disciple’s life.  Prayer opens wide the windows of Heaven and reveals the presence of God. 

The gifts of the Spirit are received and manifested, strength is imparted, the mind is sanctified, sins are forgiven, bondages are broken, Satan’s work is thwarted, and direction is given.  To live without daily prayer would be to try to operate a car without gas.  The human soul must be in daily fellowship with God to both know God’s will and receive His love.

In the above passage, Jesus gives clear instructions for the disciples to follow to have a great personal prayer life.  It is also commanded and beneficial to pray with others and have prayer meetings, but in this passage Jesus is emphasizing the importance of private devotions.  Devotions are the modern term Christians use to describe their personal time with God to pray and read His Word.

Here are some practical ways to have a great prayer life in your devotional times as taught by Jesus, (1) “When you pray,” Jesus always expected us to pray- thus not praying is not an option; (2) “Go into your room,” find a private place to pray where you cannot be disturbed; (3) “Close the door and pray to your Father,” Once you are alone you’re to address God as your Father and make known to Him your needs and be open to His guidance by the power of the Holy Spirit; and lastly, (4) “Will reward you,” The Father will reward you for your prayers with answers here on earth and blessings in heaven.

Be a disciple that spends quality time alone with God everyday in prayer- you’re soul depends on it!

Reflection | Do you have a consistent private prayer time?

Action | (1) Make time to pray everyday. (2) Pray to the Father in Jesus name and be patient for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. (3) Lastly, encourage private prayer in your family and church.     

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | 1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30, Romans 5:6-21, Psalm 15:1-5, & Proverbs 19:18-19. Click here to read online.