If a new Christian’s only way to learn about prayer was by sitting in your Sunday School class or small group, would they learn how important it is to pray for a lost family member or friend (their “One”)?
If your group experience is like some I’ve had, a baby Christian might learn that prayer is only for physical needs. To be specific, “Aunt Jane’s third cousin’s former classmate’s mother’s cat who may need to have an appendectomy the fifth of next month. Pending the outcome of tests. If they can get an appointment.” Okay, maybe that’s an extreme fictitious example (maybe…), but it seems some groups pray for everything except the spiritual needs of people.
How do we encourage group members to pray regularly for their “Ones”? Here are some ideas to consider for your next gathering:
- Explain that today you will have two group prayer times, the first for friends and family who have physical needs and the second to pray for the spiritual needs of “Your One.”
- God often uses physical healing to initiate spiritual healing. When group members request prayer for family and friends’ physical needs, ask them to include any spiritual needs that person may also have.
- Invite a new Christian to share their story of coming to Christ, including how the prayers of others were important in the process.
- When you are teaching from a passage on how the gospel spreads, invite a group member to tell about their “One.” Pause to pray for opportunities and receptivity in their relationship. (This one would be great to use regularly.)
Often what we do in our groups teaches more vividly than what we say. What is your group teaching about praying for those who need Jesus?
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