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By Jonathan Graf
Over the years, I've heard a few pithy sayings about prayer. "Prayer is caught, not taught," and "You learn to pray by praying." Both are true, but the effect of these sayings has added to the prayerlessness of many churches. Why? Because they keep churches from being deliberate about discipling in prayer.
These two truths make us assume that prayer will happen naturally. But as I've visited churches across the country, I've observed that it usually doesn't. Without consistent discipling in prayer, the following often happens:
- Intimidation. Newer believers usually hear mature
pray-ers only in church. Often they think, I can't pray like that. As a
result, they believe their feeble attempts at prayer are worthless, and
they don't pray much.
- Hitting the wall. New believers and
children seem to get more specific prayers answered quickly. Why? I
believe God wants to prove Himself to them. Also, they haven't let
skepticism enter their prayers. But after a while, most of us reach a
place where our petitions don't always bring the same results. Many
give up on prayer at this point. But good discipleship would prepare us
for this.
- Shyness. Many believers--especially
men--are shy about praying in public. Shy pray-ers will not pray with
others, and this can mean death to powerful corporate prayer in
churches, in small groups, and in families. Good discipleship in prayer
will not let them stay stuck there.
- Stunted Kingdom Mindset. Believers who
don't pray don't grow. The more we pray, the more we are infused with
God's heart. And God's heart is for the lost, for the nations. You want
your people to be Kingdom-minded; teach them to pray!
Praying churches are deliberate about discipling in prayer. They
make sure that Sunday school classes-at all age levels-regularly
provide instruction on prayer. They hold prayer conferences, retreats,
and seminars. They train their men in how to pray! And they provide
plenty of opportunities to pray, so prayer can be caught and practiced.
Here are some recommendations:
- Have organized prayer instruction at least every six months (every three is better).
Teach an elective in Sunday school, on Sunday night (if you have a
meeting then), or in small groups. Look for studies that go beyond
simply "prayer as relationship." There are some excellent resources
available that take people into Kingdom praying. My personal favorite
is Lord, Teach Us to Pray (NavPress 2003) by pastor Fred
Hartley. It is a 13-week study based mainly on the prayer teachings of
Jesus from Luke and John. The last three chapters present a thorough
look at the relationship of the Holy Spirit to prayer. Other favorites
are Approaching God (NavPress 2003) by Lee Brase and Blueprint for the House of Prayer (Prayer Point Press 1997) by Terry Teykl.
- Train your leadership. Many churches are
hampered because their elders, deacons, and/or pastoral staff have
little sense of expectancy from it. A simple but effective resource to
disciple leaders is My House Shall Be a House of Prayer (Pray! Books 2002). Another effective tool is Pray! Magazine. Discounted prices are available on bulk subscriptions. Go to www.praymag.com for information.
- Focus on teens, young adults, and men. At the
risk of being sexist or aged-prejudiced, I believe our most effective
results will come here. First of all, I have observed that women are
more naturally drawn to prayer and older believers are more likely to
be stronger people of prayer due to life's experiences. Young adults
and teens are more driven by experience; they need it and seek it.
Since prayer is experiential, our discipleship efforts will more
readily take root here. And why men? Linear and pragmatic thinkers,
they are more likely to have been thrown by some of the afore mentioned
problems. And when coupled with authority and headship issues, a
father/husband who prays is a powerful force in the Kingdom!
If we want to see our churches grow in prayer, we must be deliberate
about discipling and providing opportunity for people to pray!
--Jonathan Graf is the president of Church Prayer Leaders Network and the founding editor of Pray! magazine.
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September 2005 
