The Heart of a DisciplemakerSample

Day 1: An Interceding Heart

In 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Paul says, “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers” (NIV). The late Navigators missionary Warren Myers pointed out that much has been written about William Carey, the “father of modern missions,” who served for decades in India 200 years ago, “but nothing has been written about his bedridden, ‘useless’ sister,” who prayed for Carey and his converts hour after hour from her bed. That sister had the heart of a discipler.

When you pray for new believers, you are in good company. John 17 records Jesus Christ’s prayers for His disciples. Colossians 4:12 describes Epaphras as “always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers” (NASB). Note the words always and laboring. Not once in a while, but always. And laboring—intercessory prayer is not dreamy reverie, but hard work. Epaphras loved people enough to work hard in prayer. He had the heart of a discipler.

There is nothing better you can do for new believers than to pray for them. What can you pray? Scripture is rich with patterns for intercession—from Jesus’ John 17 prayer to the many prayers of Paul that are recorded in his epistles. Read Paul’s letters—especially Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians—and highlight his prayers for fellow believers. In time, his prayers will become yours.