Why Pray?

Worship – we are created for God’s glory and purpose

Key 2 = We seek the Lord’s presence, guidance, and power through fervent, effective prayer. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Why DO we pray? If most of us are really honest we pray b/c we are seeking God’s intervention in a situation or relationship so that life will be better for us or someone else. Right? … Indeed, we are taught in Scripture - through example and directly - that we ARE to ask of the Lord. We innately know, though, that asking is not the end of prayer – nor it’s primary purpose.

There is much excellent reading and teaching on prayer as a spiritual discipline for the purpose of bringing me into more intimacy with God. Amen to that! I wonder though, doesn’t Scripture also show us that prayer releases the power of God to accomplish His purposes? Could it be that one of the primary purposes of prayer is to discover God’s will, not obligate Him to do mine; to reflect God’s mind not change it? Without prayer as part of my essential elements to living, I cannot live a Christ-focused, God-worshipping life.

Challenge Questions:

1. Am I willing to seek God’s glory and purpose when praying, rather than seeking my own satisfaction and happiness?

2. Am I willing to seek God to such a degree that my heart knows and holds His will, so that when I pray from the deepest desires of my heart, I am praying the desires of God?

Glorifying God

Worship – Grow – Connect – Serve – Go

These are the 'Five Investments of a Great Commandment/Great Commission Disciple" as identified by our church. Under each Investment, 2 or 3 “keys to maturity’ have been identified to help focus us in our spiritual journey. I want to look at each of these keys over the next several months and see what they have to do with discipleship and our lives.

Worship – We are created for God’s glory and purpose. “Worship the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:5 ---

Key #1 - We glorify God in all things. Romans 12:1-2

As I read and reflect on the Romans 12: 1-2 passage, a series of questions run through my mind for the purpose of self-accountability. They help me gauge how I’m doing as a disciple of Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. Am I glorifying God in how I use my body? Do I exhibit a desire to be holy and pleasing to God in:
· what I eat
· how I rest – how balanced I keep my life
· what nonfood substances I put into my body
· what message I give about my sexuality/sensuality
· how fit I keep my body

2. Do I conform to the world or to Jesus' way in:
· Use of my time
· Use of my talents/experiences/training
· Words coming from my mouth (out of the heart the mouth speaks)
· Judgments I make against someone
· My private thought life/ my self-talk
· Assumptions or preconceived ideas I hold

3. How is my mind being transformed?
· How much of God’s Word am I putting into my mind
· Am I letting God’s Truth replace my reality truths
· Is God’s forgiveness and healing replacing my wounds and unforgiveness
· Is grace replacing bitterness
· How well do I listen to God

You know what? In some of these areas I’ve made significant progress. In some, I have a ways to go.

SO…how well are you glorifying God in all things? How would God want you to change? In what areas can you give thanks for growth? Who has permission to ask you such questions?

Glorifying God in all things – this is definitely a reflection of my walk as a disciple of Christ. The above questions are good for accountability within spiritual friendships and with anyone I am discipling. Yep…key #1 is definitely connected to my discipleship process.

Accountability

In the preceding post I stated I want to Encourage existing Community Groups to take one year and focus on discipleship. I’d like to speak to that for a minute.

For the past few years the DNA of Community Groups has been C.A.R.E. Most – if not all – groups have done a superb job of CARE-ing for the needs of their group members. We want to continue with that same quality of CARE within our groups. However, as we expand the definition of some of the letters of this acronym, we will find ourselves focusing on discipleship as well.

• C = Caring for the tangible needs your group. This is what has been done with excellence!
• A = Accountability for members of the group to be growing in:
• Knowledge of God through His Word, Holy Spirit, prayer, and intimacy with Jesus
• Changed behavior or life style because of this increased knowledge
• R = Replication of Christ in us - in all our relationships with others
• E = Equipping us to continue our spiritual growth toward becoming Kingdom People

A –Accountability to:

• time in God’s Word
  
• listening to Holy Spirit
• living a life of prayer
• increasing my intimacy with Jesus through various spiritual disciplines
• Scripture memory

Here’s the CHALLENGE: which item under accountability can you incorporate into your regular meeting that is not presently part of what you do? Try it this month and see how it changes the tone of your meetings and discussions. I’m betting you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

A FAVOR to ask: please let me know how it goes as you 'up' the accountability within your class, group, or fellowship. You can comment here, via email, or phone call.