On the Way to Spiritual Gifts 3, Scripture and Prayer

[HKHaugan]

Now we want to give discipleship the second most important place in being a believer. The first obviously, is a relationship with the Lord Jesus, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 NIV).”. But that relationship was made to restore us to the Father, to be reborn spiritually, to grow spiritually, grow in Him, with Him and for Him. Becoming a disciple takes discipling, being discipled and developing discipleship.
When Jesus called the first disciples He spent the next three years building a relationship with them. He taught them by the Word, being an example of the Word in action and then empowering them with the Spirit of the Word. Being the living Word and the fulfillment of the written Word He proved its central power and authority by grace through faith on the Cross. “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17 NIV).” We’ll look into that verse a bit later.
The Holy Scripture, the Word, the Bible, is God’s ordained means of building our relationship with Him and one another. It is His revelation of His nature and substance of truth for the mind, trust for the heart and faith for the spirit. It is the platform upon which our life with God in the Spirit is built.
The question of discipleship then is “How do we disciple believers?” The answer is getting as many small group Bible studies going as possible. No day should pass by but that a group is gathering to study. But there has to be a systematic approach.

It starts in the pulpit with preaching the Word, inspiring believers to get in the Word and opening dialogue in the Word during worship.

It continues in every leadership meeting with Scriptural study and application of the study on the issues that confront leadership in any group.

It travels into the home and is shared in families.

It means that every believer has his and her day punctuated with opening the Scripture and consciously applying it in the day’s context.

Then each believer finds another to share what God did for him or her in the Scripture that day. With this Scriptural immersion the Holy Spirit will start producing what God wants in that particular group and congregation.

But there is one more discipling need to undergird Bible immersion and that is prayer. The original disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. A simple request but one that Jesus knew would bring the whole of a group and congregation into the Spirit to make the Word come alive. He taught them not only by word but also by praying before them, with them and alone.
The Greek word for pray is ‘proseuxesthe.’ Prayer is mentioned in the NIV 375 times but is multiplied even more when people use the words---talk, ask, say, think, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, lift up and meditation as they relate to God, e.g., “I ‘said’ to the Lord” “Ask, and it shall be given.” It is in prayer that we relax into the Lord’s presence.
One practice that doubles the impact of Scripture is praying it. As you read a passage, a verse or even a word, you may be nudged by the Spirit to stop and pray the theme of that word or passage. Allow the Spirit to guide the prayer.
There is nothing like praying together with another believer as you work through Scripture. Everyone has needs, praises, thanksgivings and issues of the heart and mind that only the Lord can solve. Shared prayer is a faith builder because the promise is that whenever two or three are gathered together in Jesus’ name He is with them (Mt.18:19-21). Also shared prayer leads to shared witness to God’s results and shared prayer builds the Body.

A suggested personal approach is to start with praise. Praise is simply realizing verbally who God is and giving Him first place as you talk to Him. He is worthy, almighty, loving, caring, powerful, creative, merciful, forgiving and accepting.

Then thank Him for just being, having friends, a family, a job, and all the many things that He has provided us with. Thank Him for the last day and its many opportunities. Thank Him for His willingness to send His Son to the Cross for each of us.

Then repent and ask forgiveness for being self-centered, self-indulgent and fearful. Accept His forgiveness. Remember, there are many things in our past history that may linger in our memories. When we say we are sorry Scripture tells us that He puts our sins as far as the east is from the west and that He remembers sin no more (Jer.31:34).

Then pray for others, family, spiritual brothers and sisters, friends, colleagues, those in authority, for those you know that still need faith.

Then, lastly, pray for your self. You know your needs on many levels but always keep in mind as you pray that the Lord knows all your needs before you ask. It is in the asking that you articulate your spiritual condition He opens your heart to see yourself. Further you see how the Lord works His Spirit out in your life.