Prayer Tip: Called to Make Disciples
Daily Scripture
Matthew 4:18-20, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Matthew 28:19-20 (NRSV)
18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishers. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Daily Reflection & Prayer
What we say and do matters. Years ago, one of my roommates invited me to go out with her and a group of her friends from work. One of her friends wasn’t especially looking forward to my being a part of the group because I was “one of those church people.” Days after we had all hung out, my roommate came home from work and reported that this friend had unexpectedly enjoyed my company. I don’t know what her past experiences with church people were like, but before meeting me, she thought I would be preachy and judgmental.
Theodore Roosevelt said, “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” This new friend that I hung out with wouldn’t have been open to hearing the gospel message from me because she thought I wouldn’t care about her as a person and would just be judging her actions. I never had a chance to see this young woman again, but my guess is that if we had become real friends, or if she got to know other kind Christians, she would have been more open to hearing about my/their faith.
This same phrase is often used in missions work in areas of poverty. Those who don’t even have their most basic needs covered can’t imagine a loving savior when they don’t know where their next meal is coming from or how they are going to clothe their children. When they see God’s love through others, they are more willing to consider a God who loves them.
Lord God, guide us to be the people others are able to see you in so that we can more directly share your love and good news with them. Help us to think through our own stories so that when we have the opportunity to share about you (1 Peter 3:15), we are ready to do so. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer
GPS Insights
Angela LaVallie-Tinsley
Angela LaVallie-Tinsley joined staff in April of 2007. She oversees the administration of COR’s memorial gardens, room reservation system, insurance, licensing vehicles, and many other behind-the-scenes tasks that help keep our physical facilities running.
