"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you."
I generally find that I respond to this passage by praying for mission in the sense of making disciples. Now this includes evangelism; so I sometimes find myself praying for particular people to come to Christian faith; sometimes it means that I'm holding wider issues in mind and heart as I say the words "Your kingdom come ...", things like projects to understand the challenges of proclaiming Christ in western society, particular church planting initiatives, mission agencies and so on.
I tend to pray this passage knowing that making disciples is not the same as making converts, so I may also end up praying about the way that churches help people grow and develop in their appreciation and application of Christ's teaching. This may include local church programmes, learning materials for children and adults, people involved in soul friendship, spiritual direction etc. and ministerial formation of various kinds.
Next bit...
Last bit...
Crosswalk.com - Matthew 28:18 - 20: On Del.icio.us: Prayer_beads, paternoster, Praying_the_Pattern, reflection, rosary
No comments:
Post a Comment