As we continue our series on The Journey of a Disciple, we see another essential characteristic of every true disciple: a life of prayer. Prayer is one of the greatest ways believers exercise God's authority on earth. Through prayer, God changes lives, families, churches and even nations. James 5:16 reminds us that "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Jesus not only commanded His disciples to pray, but He also taught them how to pray.
1. You must pray with a humble and open heart
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else,Jesus told this parable: Luke 18:9–14
Jesus contrasted the Pharisee and the tax collector to show that God looks at the attitude of the heart.
The Pharisee was full of pride, focusing on his own goodness and religious achievements. The tax collector came with humility, recognising his need for God's mercy. Jesus declared that it was the humble man who went home justified.
Prayer begins with humility. We cannot rely on our own righteousness but must come before God with honest, repentant hearts. Jesus Himself modelled complete dependence on His Father through prayer.
2. You must pray with faith
Mark 11:22-24, Matthew 21:22 Hebrews 11:1
Jesus taught His disciples to pray believing that God hears and answers.
Faith is confidence in God's promises, even before we see the answer. Throughout Scripture, men and women experienced God's miracles because they trusted Him.
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. As we pray, we must believe that He is faithful and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
3. You must pray with persistence
Luke 18:1–8, Luke 11:9–10
Jesus taught that His disciples should always pray and never give up.
The parable of the persistent widow reminds us to continue seeking God until the answer comes. We are encouraged to ask, seek and knock, trusting God's timing and faithfulness.
Persistent prayer demonstrates confidence that God hears us and is working, even when we cannot yet see the answer.
4. You must pray watchfully
Mark 14:37–38
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus found His disciples sleeping when they should have been praying.
Jesus warned them to "watch and pray" so they would not fall into temptation. The same challenge applies today. Distractions, comfort and busyness can easily replace our time with God.
Our families, church, community and nation all need people who are spiritually awake and willing to stand in prayer. We should continually ask the Holy Spirit to awaken our hearts and help us develop a consistent prayer life.
5. You should pray for everything that will glorify the name of Jesus
John 14:13-14
Praying in Jesus' name is more than ending a prayer with certain words. It means praying according to His character, His authority and His will.
Our prayers should not be centred on our own desires but on bringing glory to Jesus. Even when God's answer differs from our expectations, we follow Christ's example in Gethsemane: "Not my will, but Yours be done."
Prayer becomes powerful when Jesus remains at the centre of everything we ask.
Application
A true disciple develops a daily life of prayer. As we pray with humility, faith, persistence, spiritual alertness and a desire to glorify Jesus, God transforms our lives and works powerfully through us. Today is a new opportunity to deepen our relationship with God through prayer and to become the kind of disciples Jesus calls us to be.
