Canada is a magnificent country, filled with splendid scenery. The citizens are always friendly and embrace a peaceful way of life. We are not known for starting the conflict, and saying ‘sorry’ is a common way of expressing ourselves. Explaining you are Canadian is usually met with pleasant surprise and admiration. Yet despite Canada’s high esteem worldwide, our nation needs your petitions in upcoming prayer meetings.

Mario Simard, a member of parliament, is fighting to get rid of the daily prayer that starts the House of Commons proceedings because he believes that Canada should be secular. The national trend is that Canadians are becoming more secular, which is reflected in the government. Even if the prayer is not voted out, it’s clear that secularism is becoming the norm in Canada.

In the Canadian province of Quebec, Bill 21 was recently passed, which forbids certain occupations from wearing any religious symbols or clothing. This is a major step towards removing religion from the public sphere. Additionally, Bill C-4 has been proposed, which could restrict the public discussion of gender, marriage, and sexuality according to the Bible. These two bills indicate the secularization of society, and the Church is preparing for the possible consequences of these laws.

Another alarming concern is that we celebrate assisted suicide. Betty Sanguin is an example of this, as she chose to end her life in her local Church in 2022 through medical assistance in dying (MAID). From March 2023, people with mental illness in Canada can access medical assistance in dying, meaning they can legally end their lives. This is worrying as it shows that some people who may need help and support instead choose to take their own lives.

Canada is undergoing an immense change in its legal environment, and the international Church should take this shift seriously. We must come together in prayer meetings nationwide as we embark on a new path.

We should pray for our country to experience a spiritual revival. Lets ask God to work in our hearts so that we can recognize His goodness and His power. We need to pray for an awakening of the Church to witness the power of Jesus’ message and the beauty of His love. Only then will our nation experience the dominion mentioned in Psalm 72:8 and live in the peace and joy of God’s presence.

We must put our faith in God, trusting He is the ultimate power in our lives and our nation. We have the right to use our voices to share our views and be involved in Canada’s direction, but ultimately our trust must be in the Lord. Just as Jesus told the Church in Philadelphia in Revelation 3:8, we, too, have limited power, but we can remain faithful to His word. We need to rely on prayer, believing that God is in control and will carry out His will, even if we don’t see it immediately.

Prayer is necessary to remain steadfast in our faith, especially when the government or other powerful entities offer us financial incentives to compromise. Per Dwight Bernier in this Radical article, some churches were offered to do summer projects, but with a caveat. They had to agree to a statement opposing what Jesus taught to get the money. This was a quiet attempt to manipulate, much like Nebuchadnezzar did in the Bible.

Although it was only a small amount, some needed it desperately. Still, they had to choose between accepting the money and staying true to their beliefs. Shortly, this type of situation will likely come up again. We must rely on prayer to remain firm in our faith.

Jesus taught us that asking for help from the Lord is essential. We can ask Him to provide workers from local and foreign churches willing to come to Canada and serve in His name. May we have faith and trust that He will answer our prayers and bring individuals to share their gifts and talents with the people of this great nation.

Prayer can help us overcome our fear. We all experience fear in one form or another, seemingly a constant presence among us in the Church. I’m not suggesting that we become bold and overconfident, but rather that we should trust in Christ’s assurance that He is with us and we have nothing to fear. We should live purposefully, sharing the Good News of our Savior and King, with whom we yearn to reunite.

Lastly, let us ask God to grant our churches an expansive outlook and ambition so that we can team up to spread the good news of the Gospel. May we have harmony in our purpose to spread the message of salvation to as many people as possible. Let us envision taking the Gospel into the world and not just building up our churches. May there be a multitude of gospel-centred communities throughout our nation so everyone can experience the love of Christ.

We are so grateful for the prayers and support of those in the U.S. It would be amazing to have you come and experience the churches in need here for yourself. If you feel God is leading you to help, we would love to show you how you could make a difference in the lives of our very own fellow citizens.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Discover the power of prayer for sleep and healing, finding rest, peace and wholeness in God’s loving presence. Many struggle to sleep due to the constant demands of daily life on their physical and mental well-being. However, as followers of Christ, we have the assurance that our Heavenly Father is always with us. He is ready to listen to our prayers and provide the peace, comfort, and healing we seek.

In this blog post, we will explore the power of prayer for sleep and healing. We’ll be uncovering valuable insights that can encourage us in seeking God’s presence for our well-being. We can find wholeness in God’s loving embrace, strengthening our resolve to partner with Global Disciples Canada in doing so.

A good night’s sleep is essential for our overall well-being. It is crucial to turn to God in prayer. We will learn to trust in His ability to help us find the rest and rejuvenation we need. The following principles can guide our prayers for sleep and rest:

1. Surrender your anxieties: The Bible encourages us to cast all our anxieties on God, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Before bedtime, take time to pray and surrender your worries, fears, and concerns to the Lord, trusting in His ability to handle it all. This practice can help calm your mind and promote a restful night’s sleep.

2. Seek God’s peace: The peace of God surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and can guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Pray that God’s peace will wash over you as you prepare for sleep, allowing you to rest in the assurance of His love and protection.

3. Invite God’s presence: As you lie down to sleep, invite God’s presence to fill the room, knowing that in Him, there is peace, rest, and security (Psalm 3:5). Pray that His presence would be a tangible reminder of His closeness and care, even as you sleep.

Beyond sleep, prayer holds remarkable potential for bringing healing and wholeness to our bodies, minds, and spirits. The Scriptures are filled with countless stories of healing and reassurance that our Heavenly Father is always near, eager to listen to our prayers and respond in love. When seeking healing through prayer, keep the following principles in mind:

1. Pray with faith: The Bible encourages us to approach God with faith, trusting in His power to heal (James 5:15). When we pray with sincere faith and trust, God can bring about incredible healing and restoration in our lives.

2. Believe in God’s love and compassion: Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus heal the sick with love and compassion (Matthew 4:23). When praying for healing, remember God’s love for you and His desire to see you whole and restored.

3. Seek God’s will: While we know that God is capable of healing, we must also acknowledge that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). As we pray for healing, surrender to God’s will, trusting that He knows the best solution for our circumstances.

Embracing prayer as a means to seek sleep and healing requires intentionality and dedication. Let’s look at various prayers and Scriptures that can bring rest, peace, and wholeness to our lives as we partner with Global Disciples Canada in sharing the Gospel with least-reached communities.

To seek a restful night’s sleep, turn to these prayers and Scriptures to usher in God’s peace:

1. A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep: “Heavenly Father, I come before You tonight, seeking Your presence and peace as I prepare for sleep. Take away my anxieties and fears, and grant me a night of restful slumber. Watch over me as I sleep, and awaken me refreshed and ready to face a new day, trusting in Your loving care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” (Proverbs 3:24)

2. A Prayer of Surrender: “Lord, as I lie down to rest, I surrender my thoughts, concerns, and plans to You. Let me find solace in Your loving embrace, confident that You are holding me securely in Your hands. Grant me a night of peaceful sleep, free from troublesome thoughts, and awaken me with renewed hope and trust in Your perfect plan for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” (Psalm 56:3)

3. A Prayer for God’s Protection: “Lord, be my refuge as I lie down to sleep, shielding me from any harm or disturbance. Protect me from nightmares, and let Your angels watch over me as I rest. I trust in Your unfailing love and power, and I thank You for Your constant care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” (Psalm 4:8)

To seek healing and wholeness, incorporate these prayers and Scriptures into your personal prayer life:

1. A Prayer for Physical Healing: “Gracious Father, I come before You today, seeking Your healing touch upon my body. I believe in Your power to restore me to full health, and I ask for Your intervention in my time of need. Grant me the strength to endure this trial, and lead me toward a speedy recovery for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” (Jeremiah 17:14)

2. A Prayer for Emotional Healing: “Loving God, I ask for Your healing hand on my mind and emotions. Comfort me in my pain, and liberate me from the weight of my burdens. Fill my heart with Your peace, and grant me the ability to forgive myself and others, that I may experience the fullness of Your healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” (Psalm 147:3)

3. A Prayer for Spiritual Healing: “Heavenly Father, I come to You in my brokenness, asking for Your divine touch upon my spirit. Mend the wounds within me, and renew my heart with Your love and grace. Guide me in my walk with Christ, and draw me ever closer to Your presence, that I may find healing and wholeness in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” (Psalm 51:10)

In addition to heartfelt prayers, turn to these Scriptures for encouragement and hope in your quest for sleep and healing:

1. Sleep: “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

2. Rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

3. Peace: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

4. Healing: “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” (Malachi 4:2)

5. Health: “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John 1:2)

Developing a consistent prayer life is crucial in maintaining a close relationship with God and experiencing His peace, rest, and healing. Consider these suggestions for cultivating a consistent prayer life:

1. Set aside designated times: Make prayer a priority by establishing regular times for prayer and reflection throughout the day.

2. Create a prayer space: Designate a specific, quiet space in your home where you can comfortably pray and meditate on God’s Word.

3. Incorporate Scripture: Read and meditate on God’s Word as you pray, using Scripture to guide your prayers and deepen your understanding of His promises.

Through prayer for sleep and healing, we can find peace, rest, and wholeness in the arms of our Heavenly Father. As we learn to trust in His provision and power, we are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and partner with organizations like Global Disciples Canada in reaching the least-reached communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. 

Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The power of prayer for sleep and healing is an invaluable gift as we navigate the challenges and stresses of our daily lives. As we cultivate a consistent prayer life, trust in God’s promises, and surrender our wounds and weariness to our Heavenly Father, we open our hearts to His restorative presence and love. This deeper connection with God not only nurtures our own well-being but also empowers us to make a significant impact in the lives of others, particularly the least-reached communities around the world.

Now that you’ve discovered the transformative power of prayer for sleep and healing, consider partnering with Global Disciples Canada in reaching the least-reached communities through prayer, practical support, and mobilizing our discipleship training in Africa, Asia and Latin America. . Join us in our mission to train local leaders and multiply disciples of Christ, sharing His Good News and life-changing love with those who have yet to hear it. 

Connect with us today to explore how you, too, can contribute to this vital work and experience the joy and fulfilment that comes with witnessing lives and communities transformed by the power of prayer and the Gospel. 

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know the power and importance of immersing ourselves in Scripture. The Bible is God’s living Word, His direct communication with us, and an endless source of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance. To make the most of our time spent reading the Bible, it is valuable to begin with prayer.

Its an intentional act that can help us prepare our hearts and minds to receive God’s teaching. 

This blog post is designed to guide the benefits of prayer before reading the Bible.

We’ll also give practical advice and examples to help you connect and cultivate a receptive heart for God’s Word.

Global Disciples Canada is dedicated to training leaders living near least-reached communities to be disciples of Jesus Christ and share His Good News.

An essential aspect involves equipping believers with the tools and resources necessary to grow and deepen their faith.

We believe that prayerful engagement with the Bible can help transform lives, providing individuals with valuable insights into God’s character. And empowering them to serve as effective messengers of His love and truth.

When we approach the Bible with a prayerful attitude, we acknowledge our dependence on God. We actively engage our hearts and minds with the text, allowing it to take root and nourish our spirits. In doing so, we can better understand God’s message and discern how it applies to our unique circumstances. And ultimately we’ll see spiritual growth and ability to embody Christ’s teachings daily.

In the following sections, we will delve into the importance of prayer before reading the Bible. We’ll explore the benefits of this approach, and suggestions for crafting heartfelt prayers that will draw you closer to God.

These insights will enrich your understanding of God’s Word and enhance your experience with it.

Prayer is a crucial element of the Christian faith, serving as our direct line of communication with God. When we pray before reading the Bible, we prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally to receive God’s teachings. Praying before study allows us to:

1. Invite the Holy Spirit: Invite the Holy Spirit to join us in our study and help us understand His message.

2. Acknowledge our Dependence: Humility is essential to our spiritual growth. Through prayer, we acknowledge our need for God’s wisdom, grace, and direction. We recognize that we cannot fully comprehend His Word without His help.

3. Cultivate an Open Heart: Prayer lets us quiet our minds and focus our thoughts.

Consider incorporating one or more of the following elements into your daily invocation:

1. Acknowledge God’s Presence: Begin your prayer by greeting God and acknowledging His presence with you. Express your gratitude for His loving guidance and the opportunity to study His Word.

Example: “Heavenly Father, I thank You for this opportunity to spend time in Your Word and for Your loving presence that surrounds me as I read.”

2. Ask for Discernment and Understanding: Request that the Holy Spirit fills you with wisdom, guidance, and clarity as you read, enabling you to interpret the text accurately and apply its teachings to your life.

Example: “Lord, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would take the lead as I study these Scriptures, granting me discernment and understanding so that I may glean the wisdom that You have for me.”

3. Express a Desire for Transformation: Affirm your desire for God’s teachings to effect positive change in your life, shaping your thoughts, actions, and relationships in alignment with His will.

Example: “God, I ask that Your Word would be like a seed planted deeply within my heart, taking root and transforming my thoughts, actions, and relationships, so that I may be a living reflection of Your love and grace.”

4. Pray for Others: In addition to personal growth, Bible study also enables us to offer support, guidance, and encouragement to those around us. End your prayer with a petition for God’s wisdom and guidance in your interactions and relationships with others.

Example: “Father, as I grow in my understanding of Your Word, equip me with the tools and wisdom needed to be a beacon of Your truth to those around me. Help me to live out Your teachings in all aspects of my life.”

To further deepen your prayer life and enhance your connection to God’s Word, consider incorporating relevant Scripture verses into your prayers. By including passages from the Bible, you reaffirm the divine authority and power of these words, allowing them to impact your mind and heart in a profound way. Below are some Scripture verses that can be integrated into your pre-reading prayers:

1. Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

2. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

3. John 16:13 – “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

To make the most of your time spent in God’s Word, aim to establish a daily routine that combines both prayer and Bible study. Dedicate a specific time and place for your devotional activities, engaging with Scripture and prayer in a focused and intentional manner. As you deepen your connection with God through these daily practices, you will find that your faith, understanding, and spiritual growth are significantly enriched.

Prayer before reading the Bible is an essential practice for cultivating a receptive and open heart to God’s teachings. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in our study, acknowledge our dependence on God, and express our desire for personal transformation. 

Using sample prayers, incorporating Scripture verses, and establishing a daily habit of prayerful Bible study, we can experience growth in our faith, develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word, and lead lives profoundly impacted by His love and truth. Feel free to visit Global Disciples Canada’s website today.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Bible talks a lot about fear and anxiety and there are plenty of references to bible verses and quotations to encourage your soul, no matter what you’re going through today!

We live in a crazy world with wars, conflicts, natural disasters, crime, divisions, racism, disease, sickness, and more. There is not a shortage of things that could potentially fill us with fear and anxiety.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. – Matthew 11:28-29

God’s word is powerful in making people feel stronger by reminding them that they can get through anything with God’s love. The Holy Spirit ministers to our souls when we read the Bible. These uplifting quotes are a great way to start your morning, and they can also guide your thoughts when you’re going through a hard time.

Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

1 John 4:18
 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].

Psalm 94:19
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, or the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Psalm 121:1-5
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is, but what is unseen is eternal.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

2 Timothy 1:7
 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind, and self-control].

1 Peter 5:6-7
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

What we’ve listed above is a collection of Bible verses that can help us stay strong during hard times. These may give you the inspiration or reminder to stay strong in your faith. Remember, God’s love will empower us to overcome anything we can face in this life.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The English word “intercede” comes from the Latin inter meaning “between” and cedere meaning “to go.” So, intercession, then, is to go between.  Another way to say it might be to bridge a gap or space. 

Intercessory prayer involves standing in spaces or gaps between the kingdom of God, (the will of God) and the current reality of a person, group, nation, or situation on the earth.  It is as if we are pulling or carrying God’s will across a bridge from heaven to earth.

It requires us to:

Jesus said: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’“
– Matthew 6:9-10.

1 Kings 18:41 – 1 Kings 19:8 is a Biblical example of intercessory prayer. 

“And Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go eat and drink for there is the sound of heavy rain.’  So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.” 
– 1 Kings 18:42

Elijah heard the sound of rain. 

That was a spiritual hearing of what was happening in the heavenlies.  But it was blue sky on earth.  Elijah went to a time of intercessory prayer.  The Bible describes Elijah as being in the birthing position, “face between his knees.”  We do not have to put our face between our knees but the idea of birthing something on earth is interceding.  It is a deep level of prayer.

The following are 5 Steps to powerful intercessory prayer:

We can pray a blessing or short prayer at any time and for any need or situation, but to intercede usually requires us to listen to Holy Spirit and enter the struggle.

It involves time and keen attention.  Sometimes God may call us to take extra time to intercede for only one situation rather than pray briefly for many.

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” – Hebrews 2:9

Often when we hear about a need, we want to pray. 

Yet, if we do not understand the “world” of the one for whom we are interceding, our intercession will be weak and often misdirected. 

Jesus interceded even to the point of death because he became human and understood the pain of those for whom he was interceding.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
– Romans 8:26-27

It is easy to think that we know what is needed in a situation and how to intercede.  We may focus on our human understanding of the situation. 

God’s strategies are often different than human logic. His will or strategy may be different than our initial thought.  

The story surrounding Daniel’s intercession as recorded in Daniel chapter 9 and 10 reminds us of the struggle that is going on in the spiritual realm. 

As soon as Daniel began to pray an angel was sent on his behalf.  But that angel was held up for 21 days until breaking through.  We trust God’s breakthrough even when we do not see it immediately.

Sometimes the struggle might take an hour a day, a week, or even years.  It may appear that no change is happening, but we can be assured that God is at work.

If we know we are interceding in agreement with God’s call and strategy, we hold onto the hope that God will prevail in the end even if the waiting outlives us.

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.”– Proverbs 21:31

When we see the breakthrough to victory, it is tempting to believe we were the ones who made it happen.  We are only partnering with God, and He is the one who deserves the glory.

Here is a model to follow as you enter into a time of intercession individually or as a group.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today! 

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18-20NLT).  ” Ephesians 5:18-20

One of the best parts of my job is welcoming students from out of the country into school in Canada. 

Moving into a different place, learning a different language, and navigating a new culture is a massive challenge. Sometimes there are so many changes that students become stressed and homesick. 

A few years ago, I met a new student from Columbia who had just entered Canada.  Right from the beginning, I noticed something different about her that I could not put my finger on.  As she entered classes and began the new chapter in Canada.  I noticed that there was such a consistent joy in her life that she shared with everyone she met.  Later that year, she confirmed my suspicion that she was a follower of Jesus.  The joy, that was so obvious in her life, came from the Spirit of God living inside her.

In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul tells them to “be filled” with the Holy Spirit. 

When people are discouraged, depressed or just having a bad day when they seek filling from different sources.

Drinking alcohol can make us feel carefree and lead to a great night of singing at the pub. In reality, it really doesn’t give lasting satisfaction. Others may attempt to use sex, food, shopping, fame, fitness, or fashion to numb the pain and difficulty of life. 

The apostle commands followers of Jesus to be filled with the Spirit of God. He want us to that deep, long-lasting satisfaction in Him. The logical question then is, “How can we be filled by God’s Spirit?”

The answer that scripture gives us is incredibly simple and difficult–a deep reliance on the Spirit’s power.  

One alternative to a deep reliance on the Spirit’s power is a deep reliance on self.

There is a popular myth in our culture that, believing in yourself is all you need to navigate lifes difficulties. This can easily slip into the matrix of our beliefs causing us to malfunction concerning God’s purpose for our lives. We can miss out on the true source of joy and power.

Samson’s life, described in Judges, illustrates the need for a deep reliance on the Spirit of God. 

The period of the Judges is one of the lowest points in Israel’s history.  Everyone was living in a way that seemed right to them (Judges 17:6) but very few of them were following God’s path. 

By the time we pick up Samson’s story in chapter 16, God has allowed the Philistines to conquer God’s people in hope that they will again follow Him…but they don’t.  God, in His mercy and patience, supplies judges (who were like warlords) that beat back their enemies for a time but they soon return to their old way of doing things.  Samson is one of the judges raised up by God to give relief to His people.  

Unlike some of the other judges, he is not a conventional military leader.  In fact, he does not lead an army at all. He is not even a team player. His life consists of several solo battles revolving around personal conflicts that have resulted from broken relationships with Philistine women. 

Samson’s dysfunctional relationships with Philistine women go badly in different ways but in each case, the end result is similar–violent, hand-to-hand combat with city guards and sometimes entire armies.   

Although Samson constantly disobeys his parents and lives by his own moral code, God graciously uses him for the good of His people. God’s gifting to Samson is super-human strength in battle. 

At one point, the Holy Spirit comes upon him and he kills 1000 soldiers with the jawbone of a donkey.  After this particular battle, Samson is so exhausted that he is near death.  He cries out to God for water and God miraculously provides him with water from a rock.  In this scene of the story, Samson is found relying on God as his provider but he soon grows proud, and that reliance changes into arrogance. 

Fast forwarding the story closer to the end (Judges 16:4), Samson falls in love with yet another Philistine woman named Delilah.  Seeking an opportunity to gain an advantage over Samson, the city leaders offer Delilah a huge sum of money to learn the secret of Samson’s strength.  Delilah uses her beauty and seductive powers to draw the secret out of Samson. 

After lying to her several times, Samson finally tells her the truth.  

 So he [Samson] told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him (Judges 16:17-19).

What’s interesting at this point in this story is that, even though Samson says that his strength is connected to his Nazarite vow, his response shows that he doesn’t believe this.

“Then she called, ‘Samson, the Philistines are upon you!’ He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake myself free’” (Judges 16:20).

Samson’s thoughts at this moment show us an attitude that grieves the heart and Spirit of God. Samson has become so self-reliant that he begins to take credit for God’s gifting and power in his life. The results are immediate and devastating.    

Samson’s super-human powers were tied to God’s purpose and plan for Samson but when he became overconfident in his own abilities, God withdraws.

The retreat of the Spirit leads to Samson’s defeat and humiliation.

“Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison” (Judges 16:21). 

This low point of Samson’s life illustrates a massive roadblock to being filled by God’s spirit, and self-reliance. Self-reliance is an attitude that says, “I can be who God has called me to be and do what God has purposed me to do without the help and power of the Holy Spirit”  If we are honest with ourselves, I think all of us can identify with this mindset, we have all bought into the lie of self-sufficiency to one degree or another.    

Notice that God makes a temporary departure in Samson’s life here and this is a serious consequence of taking credit for God’s work in our lives.

God sometimes presses the pause button on His work in our lives at times to draw us back to Himself. It is not that God gives up on us or stops pursuing us. However, His loving discipline is sometimes required to bring us back to a life of faith and dependence on the Spirit. 

Are you feeling distant from God because you once orbited your life around God but now find yourself adrift?  

Thankfully Samson’s story doesn’t leave us there, it also gives us hope for renewed fullness of the Spirit.

Blinded and weak, Samson waited in his prison cell.  As he waits, a new humility and reliance on God emerge.  In the last chapter of his life, we find Samson making a desperate plea to God to renew his power one last time. This prayer signals a re-acknowledgment of the true source of power in His life.  God is merciful to Samson and gives him one last victory over the Philistines. 

In this last chapter, Samson gives us a glimpse of Jesus, who relied perfectly on the Father and fulfilled God’s purpose for his life. Jesus perfectly kept in step with the Spirit of God throughout his life.  His life was full of the Spirit’s joy and power.  Knowing that God would require a sacrifice for our sins, Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross. He took the punishment for our sins upon himself so that we could enjoy–new life, everlasting life, and the fullness of God’s spirit.   

God desires that you and I be filled with His Spirit, but in order to receive this filling, we must see Him as the only One who can generate true joy and power in our lives. Walk in step with God’s Spirit today so that you can fulfill His purpose for your life. 

Ask God to take your emptiness and replace it with his fullness.

Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit so that you experience His joy and power like never before.

Jordan Mayer – Global Disciples Canada Advocate & Prayer Supporter

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Discover the power of prayer in your local community. Join us in this mission to make our communities better places to live in!

How to Pray and What to Pray for in Your Local Community

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about the needs of our local community. Indeed, some acts of care take time, effort, and money. These resources are not always available for every need in our community.

The good news is that prayer, which is the most important resource that you can share with your community, is free and can be applied anywhere and at any time. Even if you travel all over the world, you can still pray for your local community.

The wonderful thing about living in the freedom of Christ is that there are no rules about when, where, or how to pray.

We can pray in our hearts in a busy shopping center. We can pray with our voices while diving underwater. Wherever we are, God hears us and our prayers for our local community can make a difference.

When we pray for our community, we ask God to intervene and work in the lives of the people who live there. We are asking him to meet their needs, both physical and spiritual.

There are many things we can pray for our local community. Here are some suggestions for how to pray for your community:

When we pray for the Holy Spirit to reach the hearts of others, He sends people and situations their way that helps to awaken their spirits toward seeing the truth in God’s character. Our prayers stand in the gap for nonbelievers, asking God not to be silent towards their unbelief but continue sending markers their way to hopefully guide them toward the truth. It is a wonderful opportunity to be part of God’s evangelizing work!

True compassion goes beyond just feeling sympathy, as it also includes the desire to take action to alleviate the suffering of others. When we are compassionate towards others, we create a more caring and supportive community. When we live in a compassionate community, we all benefit.

Compassion is at God’s heart, as shown in Matthew 5:4. Another good example is Psalm 103:8.

The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in compassion and lovingkindness.

There is no single answer to addressing social issues in our local communities. However, one important step we can all take is to pray for those who are struggling. Ask God to change the hearts of those who are causing the problems, as well.

Prayer is not a magic wand that will fix all of the social issues in your community overnight. However, it is a powerful tool that can help to make a difference. If you are concerned about social issues in your community, start by praying for them. Prayer also helps us focus on what God is calling us to do in any given situation.

It’s no secret that prejudice exists in our world. Whether it’s based on race, religion, gender, or any other factor, it’s something that we all must deal with on a daily basis. Some experience such discrimination more in our local communities.

Make it a point to pray for zero prejudice toward others. This doesn’t mean that we should ignore the reality of discrimination, but rather that we should focus on promoting love and understanding in our communities, seeing the worth and value in every person. When the Holy Spirit reaches out to the hearts of those who are being discriminative towards others, they have the opportunity to see their own desperate need for Christ which helps them to not see themselves as better than those they are persecuting. 

Recent years have been notably difficult for many communities. We’ve seen division and turmoil all around the world. It’s easy to feel like things are falling apart. But even in the midst of all this, we can still find hope (Psalm 46:1).

One of the things that give optimism toward restoration and peace is the power of prayer.

Prayer is a special way for us to connect with God and ask for His help. And when we pray for our local community, we can see His hand at work.

When the whole world feels like it’s simply crumbling around us, it’s easy to give into despair. But hope is a powerful force, and it’s one that we should never give up on. Hope can be found in the smallest of things – a kind word from a stranger, a sunny day after a long period of rain, or a whispered prayer.

And when we have hope, we can share it with others. When we share hope, it has a ripple effect and can help to create a more positive community. Psalm 91 shares hope with us.  

Complexity is a part of life, and it’s especially prevalent in our local communities. There are many moving parts, and it’s tough to understand what to do or where to turn. But when we pray for wisdom, we can be confident that God will guide us.

The Lord will give us the wisdom we need to face the complexities of our community. That wisdom will enable us to know how to best love and serve our neighbors to ensure clarity among everyone.

When we think about the future, we often think about our children. We want them to have all the opportunities in the world, and we wish them to be healthy and happy. As parents, it’s our job to do everything we can to help our children succeed.

One good thing we can do for our children is to pray for them. When we pray for the development and health of our children, we ask God to bless and give them everything they need to thrive. It is very possible that our prayers lead God to set plans into place that will cause people to cross paths with our children later in life that will help them focus on Christ.

Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about positive change in our communities. When we pray for fairness from local leaders and officials, we ask for God’s guidance and wisdom to help them make decisions in the best interests of everyone involved.

We live in a world that is often filled with conflict and injustice, but the Lord is a God of justice and righteousness. When we pray for fairness, we ask God to intervene on behalf of those who are being treated unfairly.

When a community as a whole turns to Jesus and dedicates every aspect of life to Him, we say that that community is experiencing revival. During revival, crime rates drop, suicides become basically nonexistent, and gross domestic product flourishes. People enjoy living together in the same community and actively care for each others’ needs. Pray for revival in your community!

There have been times when communities have actively prayed for the Lord’s blessing and the result has been huge increases in soil fertility and crops. The prayers of hearts broken for Jesus can literally bless the land! 

Prayer is an incredible tool that can help us to improve our local community. By praying for our community, we can ask for guidance and wisdom from God, and we can also intercede on behalf of others.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). The Gospel is also the message we are to proclaim to the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

And, there are many ways to share the Gospel in today’s modern world. We can use technology, social media, and other platforms to reach people with the good news. We can also share the gospel through personal relationships and one-on-one conversations.

The most important thing is to be clear about the Gospel message and to be bold in sharing it. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation, and it is our responsibility to share it with others.

The way Christians communicate God’s truth has changed greatly over the centuries, even as the message has never changed and remains as life-changing as it was for Peter, Paul, and Lydia.

Christians have always been creative in finding ways to share the good news. In the early church, Christians often communicated through stories. Jesus used parables to communicate his message, and the early Christians continued this tradition.

Jesus Christ preached the Gospel throughout his ministry on earth. He did this through his words and his actions. Jesus taught the Gospel in his sermons, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). He also showed the Gospel through his miracles. And He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the sorrowful.

Jesus also preached the Gospel through his death on the cross. He died in our place, taking the punishment that we deserve. His death shows us the great love of God.

As the church grew and became more institutionalized, sermons became the primary way to communicate God’s truth. This was partly due to the fact that the church became more formalized and partly because the average literacy rate was quite low. Sermons were a way to reach a large number of people with the message of the Gospel.

In the modern era, Christians have a wide variety of ways to communicate, including through books, movies, and the Internet. This has allowed Christians to reach a much wider audience with the message of the Gospel. Christians are no longer limited to communicating through sermons or stories; they can now use any medium that they think will be effective.

It’s been said that the Gospel is “good news in bad times.” And there’s no doubt that we live in some pretty bad times right now. We’re faced with a global health crisis, an economic downturn, and a lot of uncertainty about the future.

In the midst of all this, the Gospel is still good news. It’s still the message of hope that we need to hear. Jesus said that when we hear of bad things happening, we do not need to fear because he is with us (Luke 21:13-15).

So how can we share the Gospel in these times? Here are a few ideas.

Would you pray that God would open doors for you to share the Gospel? And for boldness and wisdom too. Pray that people would be receptive to the message of hope that you have to offer.

The Gospel is not something that we force on people. It’s something that we share in the context of natural conversations.

So look for opportunities to bring up spiritual topics in casual conversation. Ask questions about what people believe and why they believe it. Listen more than you talk. And be prepared to share your own faith story when the time is right.

Your testimony is a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel. It’s a way of showing how the Gospel has changed your life and how it can change the lives of others.

So don’t be afraid to share your testimony with others. It’s a great way to start a conversation about faith.

Technology can be an excellent tool for sharing the Gospel. There are all sorts of ways to use technology to reach people with the good news.

You can use social media to share your faith story or the testimonies of others. Or, you can create gospel-centered content to share on your blog or website. Maybe you can even use technology to connect with people one-on-one and have gospel conversations?

Technology has an incredible ability to reach a huge amount of people of many different cultures all around the world. A word of caution though: While modern technology allows for even more personal, interactive discussions than older technologies, it will never be able to replace the rewarding experience of having a friend in the same room with you. We can have a deep, meaningful conversation with someone on the other side of the world, but that person will not be able to put a hand on your shoulder or share your meal with you. Technology can greatly enhance evangelism; however it cannot replace life on life discipleship.

Sharing the Gospel is not a quick or easy process. It takes time, patience, and perseverance.

So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Trust that God is at work, even when it’s not always apparent. And keep praying, keep sharing, and keep trusting that God will use your efforts for his glory.

The Christian Gospel message is an eternal message relevant to today’s world.

It is a message of hope, love, and forgiveness. It is a message that can change lives. And it is evident that to share God’s Gospel in today’s modern world; we need to be creative and use various platforms and mediums.

We also need to be diligent in our efforts as Christ Ambassadors and willing to put in the extra work to ensure that our message reaches as many people as possible.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

As is often said, Christianity starts at home.

Of all the people that you come into contact with, your own children and spouse are those that you have the closest connection with and have the potential to have the greatest impact on.

Living with people who you call family gives you one of the best ministry opportunities to live out your authentic faith, showing them God’s love and care in a profound way.

Here are some ways to encourage your family to stay close to God.

God hears every prayer, even those prayers prayed silently in the depths of our hearts. He hears us when we walk and pray. He hears us when we pray to him in the middle of a busy crowd, or a business meeting. There is nowhere that we can go that God is not able to hear our prayers. 

Having individual prayer time is crucial for maintaining a healthy prayer life. However, praying corporately with our family can also be a wonderful experience that builds deep, lasting memories for our children and other loved ones that can encourage them throughout their lives.

Praying together can be a great way to model our faith to our children. By praying together as a family, we can show our kids that faith is an important part of our lives and that it is something that we take seriously.

Praying together as a family can help to foster a sense of unity in a shared love for the Lord. This unity can also be nurtured through going as a family to church.

When it comes to corporate worship, there is no substitute for going to church together. Church provides a community of believers who support and encourage us in our faith journey. Additionally, the church allows us to hear God’s Word preached and taught and to share in communion.

There is something special about worshiping God together with other believers. It is an opportunity to lay our burdens down at the feet of Jesus (Matthew 11:28) and to receive his strength and peace. As we sing praises to God and hear his Word, our hearts are filled with hope and joy.

Going to church together is also a great way to grow closer to each other as a family. It can be a time to pray, learn, and serve together. When we make church a priority in our relationship, it can help to keep our relationship focused on God.

Mealtimes are an excellent opportunity to connect with God as a family. By spending mealtimes together, we can create an environment where we can talk about our day, share our joys and concerns, and pray together. This time spent together can help us to feel closer to God and to each other.

When we’re sharing a meal, we’re naturally more present with each other. We’re not distracted by work, technology, or other things that can often pull our attention away from the people we’re with. This can create a deeper connection with the people we’re sharing the meal with and help us be more present with God.

Sharing meals also allows us to slow down and enjoy the moment. This can help us to appreciate the food we’re eating, the company we’re with, and the blessings we have in our lives.

Consider setting an extra place at the table at every meal you enjoy with your family, just as a reminder that Jesus is with you at that meal too. This empty chair will not be for Jesus to occupy, but will rather simply be a constant visual reminder for you and your family that he is right there with you, in your hearts and, since you are eating together in his name, he is there amongst you (Matthew 18:20).

One of the best ways to become closer to God is to read the Bible together as a family. By reading the Bible together, you and your family can learn about God’s love for us, His plans for our lives, and how to follow His will.

Reading the Bible together can also help to strengthen your family bonds. As you discuss what you have read and learned together, you will be able to understand each other’s perspectives better and build a deeper level of trust and communication.

If you are unsure where to start, many resources are available to help you. You can find Bible reading plans online, in Christian bookstores, or in the back of many Bibles. Start by picking a plan that fits your family’s schedule and interests, then stick to it. You may also consider using a devotional guide to help you discuss the Bible passage for that day.

When we serve others, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and model our behavior after His. When we serve others, we also open our hearts to God and allow Him to work through us.

There are many ways to serve others as a family. You can volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank. Or collect items for a local shelter. You can visit people in the hospital or nursing home. You can write letters to soldiers or veterans. Or you can participate in a local service project. You can get involved with the life of your neighbors. The possibilities are endless!

When you serve others together as a family, you will become closer to God and to each other. You will learn more about God’s love for all people and be inspired to live out your faith in your daily life.

Serving others as a family creates happy memories for all of you, as you can spend many times talking with each other about the amazing experiences you had as you were God’s hands and feet to those who need it most. This can help you feel closer to each other and closer to God

Organizing a weekly family night can be a great way to become closer to God as a family. It can be a time for you to gather together and pray, read the Bible, or just spend time talking about your faith. It can also be a time to have some fun together and bond as a family.

To start, choose a day and time that works for everyone in the family. You may want to pick a day that everyone is typically free, such as a Friday or Saturday night. Then, choose an activity that everyone will enjoy. This could be simple: playing games together, watching a movie, or going out for ice cream.

If you’re looking for ways to bring your family closer together and become closer to God, consider creating new traditions as a family.

One tradition you might want to start is attending a weekly Bible study or prayer group together. This can help you learn more about your faith and grow closer to God as a family. You can also use this time to bond with your children and teach them about your beliefs.

Whatever traditions you decide to start, make sure they are something that your whole family can enjoy and that will help you grow closer to God.

While individual time with God is very important, meeting with God as a family is also essential. As family members, you can help each other remain focused on Christ.

Helping your family become closer to God is a wonderful experience. It can help improve communication and deepen your relationship with your loved ones. Additionally, it can provide opportunities for personal growth, spiritual enrichment, and compassionate discipleship.

By taking the time to pray together, read the Bible, and serve others together, you can help your family grow closer to God and experience all the benefits that come with it.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

As a parent, you have to deal with a lot of stress, overwhelming emotions, and difficult callings. But this is what can make parenting exciting and beautiful.

Every child is unique, carefully put together by God in their mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-18). Raising them is a blessing in itself. God has given parents the responsibility to nurture their children to the best of their abilities. And disciple them in the ways of Jesus.

Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
– Proverbs 22:6

It is important to remember that when you disciple your family, God is with you every step of the way.

“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
– Isaiah 54:13

He helps us to know what to say to our children, how to say it, and how to treat them. In reality, He knows them better than any of us ever will.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
– 3 John 1:4

Whether you are a new parent or you have older kids, here are 10 things you should know about family discipleship.

Standing on top of a mountain after being resurrected, Jesus Christ tells his followers to “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19). 

This scripture in Matthew 28 is referred to as the Great Commission.

In the call to make disciples everywhere and to teach Christ’s commandments entirely, we are sure that this obligation also applies to those disciples we will make in our homes. To lead your household on this spiritual journey is a job commissioned by God, and it would be negligence to forsake it.

“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.”
– Proverbs 29:17

As a Christian parent, family discipleship is a vital component of your role when it comes to parenting responsibilities. From housing, clothing, and feeding to affection, play, and education you have to look after many aspects of your family. But what benefit will it be if your children do not have the knowledge of their Savior?

Discipling your family is important in every aspect. Spiritual growth will help them move forward. With a foundation that provides them with moral discipline and reasoning to understand life. 

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”
– Proverbs 1:8-9

The best family discipleship practice is to include it constantly in your regular activities. You can do so by aligning your talks and guidance with your family’s normal rhythm. The moments in which your family already interacts during the day can be used to talk about God’s Word and to live it out.

It is the need of the hour to raise children who can question the motives of secular culture. Today’s children need to not only be taught what is true but how to distinguish it from what is false. They need to know how to boldly stand up against a torrent of opinions to the contrary.

As a parent, you might want to raise a child that is admired by everyone. But the command of God is to raise a family that remains true to the message and is ready to be hated for following Christ and upholding the truth.

If you have fulfilled your responsibility to disciple your children and preached to them the message of following Christ, you are no longer responsible for their salvation. It is just as true for your child as it is for you that “by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). 

Remember that coming on the righteous path is a blessing that can only be granted by God.

Although parents are the most influential figures in a child’s life and the home is the principal place for discipleship, parents are not the only entity to disciple a child. The church can play an important part in supporting a family’s discipleship. 

The best version of family discipleship involves an entire community of believers working in concert with the parents in spiritually raising children.

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
– Proverbs 17:6

It is also important to remember that teaching your family about the commandments of Christ includes the importance of sticking to the pure truth of the gospel, not letting false interpretations distort the truth for your family. For indeed, the truth will set you free (John 8:32). You are equipping your family with a lens by which to see the world as it truly is, broken and in desperate need of a Savior.

By portraying God as angry at your children when they commit wrongdoings and happy when they accomplish what you want, you deprive them of the beauty of true grace that always loves us better than we deserve and calls us to obey out of love and joy rather than fear or coercion.

Discipleship should never be used to intimidate or threaten your family into obeying what you want. Family discipleship pleads with the Lord for heart transformation, and that will lead, consequently, to a heart that delights in obedience to the Lord.

Family discipleship is an important and significant endeavor, but no one can promise that it will be simple.

There are times when children of all ages will resist instructions from their parents. Therefore proper spiritual leadership of a family requires righteously stubborn persistence and gentle patience. 

It is inevitable that we will make mistakes as parents, but may it never be the biggest mistake that we make giving up on God’s call to lead our families simply because it is not easy.

If you are reading this, it is assumed you follow the Lord our Savior, Jesus Christ.

If He is for you, tell me, who can possibly be against you? (Romans 8:31). No one wins against your God. This family and children he has entrusted to you with are his, and it is no accident that he has put them in your care. 

Even though we work on our salvation with great caution and sobriety, we are sure and confident that the Lord who began faith in our hearts can do the same in the lives of our dearest children.

Even with all the resistance, flaws, and failures along the way, there is no lack of hope for what the one true God who made the universe can do in the hearts of those who share his word.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!