The Discipline of Prayer

Our theme this year is “Growing in Christ,” and growth requires more than good intentions—it requires connection. If time in the Word is how God speaks to us, then prayer is how we speak to God. And just like any relationship, if communication is missing, the relationship grows cold.that’s why prayer isn’t optional for a disciple. It’s a discipline we develop to grow our relationship with the Father.

In Luke 18:1, Jesus taught that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart.” That tells us something important: prayer isn’t just for emergencies. Prayer is for endurance. It’s how we keep going when life is heavy, when temptation is strong, and when we don’t have answers.

But prayer also shapes us. It humbles us. It reminds us that we are not in control, God is. It turns our worry into dependence and our fear into trust. When we pray, we aren’t just asking for things, we’re putting our hearts back in the hands of the Father.

And our kids and teens need this discipline now more than ever. They face pressures we didn’t face at their age—constant noise, constant comparison, constant distraction. Prayer teaches them to slow down and bring their struggles to God. It teaches them that they are never alone. And one of the greatest gifts we can give them is an example of what it looks like when a parent, grandparent, or church family member actually prays—consistently, sincerely, and with faith.

So here’s the challenge for this week: be intentional about prayer. Start small if you need to. Pray on the way to work. Pray with your spouse. Pray with your kids before school. Ask your teen what they want you to pray about—and then actually do it. Build the habit. Not because it earns you something, but because it keeps you close to the One who gives life.

Because we don’t grow in Christ by trying harder alone.
We grow by staying close to Him and prayer is one of the ways we do that.

Always remember—you are loved

Eric

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