Pray for People Discipleship Cycle
Read John 6:1-14
Even though the disciples didn’t initially understand what Jesus was doing, they got to participate in a miracle and all twelve of them left with a basketful of leftover bread and fish as a reminder of Jesus’ miraculous power.
How might Jesus be inviting you to join him in miraculous provision this week?
Go and do
Think about the spiritual needs of your campus. Are your friends struggling with worrying, do they have fears, are they lacking the resources they need to get by? Who do you know who is in need of God’s provision or power? Could you take a risk by offering to pray for them this week? Write down the names of friends you want to pray for. If you are having trouble thinking of people, spend a few minutes reviewing your network map.
Jesus often sent his disciples out in pairs to minister together. If you are on a residential campus, pair up with someone in this meeting and schedule when you will visit people and offer to pray for them. If you are on a commuter campus and only do ministry during the day, go out in pairs right now and offer to pray for your friends. If your friends are not on campus today, offer to pray for strangers. You can pray for people on your list, but you can also practice with strangers. Challenge yourself whenever possible by offering to pray for people who are different from you. When Jesus sent the disciples to feed the crowd, they interacted with Galileans from all walks of life; farmers, bakers, merchants, soldiers, tax collectors, and so on. Your campus also has students and faculty from diverse backgrounds. Take a risk and pray for them.
How to Pray for Others:
- Listen to people. What are they saying? What are they yearning for? Don’t be too quick to give them answers to whatever they’re experiencing. It’s important to be present in the moment.
- Listen to the Holy Spirit. As you heard their story, were there scripture passages that came to mind? Were there words of encouragement that came to you as you listened? Pray these over them.
- Make space. Before you finish praying for them, ask the Holy Spirit to give you and your friends other words of encouragement. Ask God to make himself known in the situation.
Reflect on what you learned
- How did your friends respond when you offered to pray for them?
- Did the Lord meet your friends in significant ways during the prayer?
- What are you learning about praying for people on campus and the ways God can use you to be a blessing in their lives?
