Disciples Pray

At Brighton First, we have identified specific practices that we look for in disciples of Jesus Christ. Disciples are part of the Body of Christ, they are ever working to become more like Jesus and they join Jesus in ministry. In all three of these areas, prayer plays an essential part. The disciples of Jesus Christ pray.

Unfortunately, because there is the assumption that prayer is a part of every disciple's life, we have neglected to lift up this rich, essential practice. We assume that everyone who follows Jesus knows how to pray, desires to pray and practices regular prayer. But prayer is a growing edge for many. In our activity-filled lives, prayer can be the last thing we schedule in or the last resort when things go wrong.

We have an active prayer team at Brighton First, as well as a prayer email chain. Many in these groups have the spiritual gift of intercession and are praying on behalf of the Body of Christ daily. It is a blessing that congregation members can share their prayer concerns and know that there are people faithfully lifting prayers on their behalf.

We expect that leaders of small groups, classes, committees and boards begin and end with prayer, but this is most often a "holy habit" and not informed by our desire to grow as disciples.

I recently had a conversation with two members of the Brighton First Prayer Team about ways that we can raise up the faith practice of prayer at our church. After conversation with other members of the prayer team, we generated a great list of practices and projects. We agreed to implement several in the coming weeks and months.

I am most excited about a "pop up prayer" initiative. Prayer team members have agreed to lead "pop up prayer" times for specific prayer needs between worship services.

By raising our awareness of the practice and effectiveness of prayer, we we further integrate prayer into our lives as disciples.