How to Make Disciples That Make DisciplesSample

Day 6: Prayer

Devotional

Discipleship without prayer is like a journey without a map. You’ll get somewhere - but it won’t be where you wanted to end up and it’ll have taken far longer!

When you disciple someone, the most important thing you can do isn’t what you say. It’s how you pray. Behind every strong discipling relationship is a quiet place where that person is being carried in prayer: spoken over, interceded for, and brought before God.

Prayer keeps the pressure off you. You’re not their saviour. You’re not their fixer. You’re just someone pointing them to Jesus - and prayer is where you hand them over to him again and again.

Praying for the disciple changes how you see them. As you listen to the Spirit, you’ll begin to catch glimpses of how God sees them. Maybe he gives you insight into their struggle. Maybe he gives you unexpected compassion. Maybe he prompts you to ask a question or share a verse. And don’t forget: praying with the disciple is equally important. It invites the Holy Spirit to minister to them. It encourages intimacy with God. It models what it means to rely on him, not just talk about him.

By now, you’ll have been praying for this person for six days. Ask God how he sees them. What he wants for them. What your role might be and how you can walk with them. Imagine them and bring them before the Father. Ask for his blessing on them.

Then pray for courage—because tomorrow, you’re going to go and invite them!

Reflection Questions

• How do you feel when you pray for others?
• What has God shown you about this person in prayer?
• How could you create regular rhythms of prayer around this discipling relationship?

Prayer for them

Jesus, I lift [name] up to You. Speak to them. Protect them. Grow them. Pour out Your blessing on them. Help them know they are deeply loved by You. Amen.

Prayer for me

Lord, teach me to pray like You did. Give me faith to believe You are working, even when I don’t see it. Help me carry [name] in prayer with consistency and joy. Amen.