Effective communication is vital in any relationship, including our relationship with God through prayer. The Prayer component of Growing Disciples provides resources and ideas to help us expand the scope of our prayers beyond our own needs and those of our family and friends.
So, rather than ‘teach’ us about prayer, the purpose of this part of the Growing Disciples course is to provide us with useful resources, models, examples, and stimuli to expand the scope of our prayers. In addition to praying around the immediate needs of our family and friends, we'll also learn to pray around the world.
Each month we will explore the prayer needs of a particular ministry or people group, learning to pray beyond our everyday sphere. This month we pray for the Persecuted Church around the world, using the Voice of Martyrs prayer resources, available through their Pray Today app on App Store or on Google Play
The Voice of the Martyrs is a nonprofit, interdenominational missions organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost.
Open Doors is another excellent organisation seeking to mobilise Christians to pray for the persecuted church in those countries where Christians are routinely persecuted for their faith. Their regularly updated World Watch List provides current information on the most dangerous places to be a Christian. Would it surprise you to know that the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian today is Afghanistan? Go to their website to find out more.
Want to grow further in prayer?
Eugene Peterson, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction”.
Since Eugene Peterson wrote this spiritual formation classic more than forty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been inspired by its call to deeper discipleship. Our society is still obsessed with quick fixes. But Peterson's time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same-a long obedience in the same direction.
