Please read this beautiful sharing from Dr. Edward Edezhathu (Cochin) giving
some
guidelines about having a prayer partner.
For new comers info, Edward is one of the visionaries who has started Jesus
Youth
movement. He is an Animator of Jesus Youth National Team (JYNT) and also
guiding JOYnet from the very beginning.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have a Prayer Partner
==================
Soul Mates in Jesus Youth
==================
In Jesus Youth there are various ways of growing strong as the
Body of Christ. Prayer groups, small sharing groups called cells and prayer
partnership are some of these. In many growing fellowship groups and
ministries people are paired into units of two called prayer partners or
sharing partners. Usually two persons of the same sex, same state of life
(single, married, priest) and somewhat the same age and lifestyle are
placed
together.
How did Jesus train his men and women?
-------------------------------------------
The Bible has enough hints to make us believe that this was an arrangement
of spiritual growth and mission effectiveness desired by the Lord.
Jesus sent the disciples on mission two by two (Lk. 10.1). This practice
was
very common among his close followers. The two going to the village called
Emmaus (Lk 24:13) and the disciples going to recheck the empty tomb account
by Mary Magdalene (Jn. 20: 3) are all in twos.
A spiritually rich church in Antioch had very good leadership (Acts. 13:1).
As they were fasting and leading a session of praise and worship the Holy
Spirit initiated a strong wave of evangelisation by asking them to set
apart
two people for his work, Paul and Barnabas. Another great companionship
began. But I think a soul mate is not for ever. Later Silas became Paul's
companion in preaching the Good News and also in joyfully enduring
sufferings for the Lord.
Jonathan and Journey to Emmaus
----------------------------------
Jesus' forefather David, when he was young, had the great blessing of
having
a sincere companion who loved him as "his own soul" (I Sam. 18:1) The
friendship between Jonathan and David is a fine example of companionship in
the Lord.
"Jonathan made a covenant with David" (v.3): A clear commitment to each
other is a first step of prayer partnership.
Jonathan gives David his robe, armour and weapons (v.4): This newfound
relationship is to share in the spiritual blessing and protection handed on
to us as Christians.
"I will speak to my father about you" (19:3): Our Father in Heaven is not
like Jonathan's father. He wants each of us to have the abundance of life
and for this his children should "carry one another's burdens" (Gal. 6:2).
This friendship is all about speaking daily to our all-powerful and loving
Father about our soul companion.
"If learn anything I will tell you" (19:3): Prayer is never a one way
monologue. To the one who prays the Lord reveals his mind and desire. So
when we lift our companion is prayer become aware of the Lord's response.
This will first of all help us to continue the prayer as the Lord wants.
Then if we become clear that we should share some response we receive in
prayer to our prayer partner, do it with love and gentleness.
Read this account of friendship in I Samuel. It is a nice parable of
companionship. With the stirrings of the Holy Spirit you will be able to
build up a relationship to build up one another in the Lord.
One step further, the journey to Emmaus in St. Luke's gospel contains a few
insights about the day to day working of prayer partnership.
They are going to Emmaus: On the other hand we are together facing the
Heavenly Jerusalem, walking together, in life, in the same direction. If
one
of us is turning away, as many of us from time to time to, the other has a
responsibility to bring that person back to a walk with the Lord using
powerful weapons of love and prayer.
"Talking and discussing together" (v.15):
"Jesus himself drew near and went with them" (v.15):
"Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them . . the
things concerning himself (v.27):
"And their eyes were opened and they recognised him" (v.31):
"The said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us .?'" (v.32):
This is what leads each of us to that experience that 'the Lord has risen
indeed'.
How to go about
--------------------
1. Come to a commitment
2. Some degree of familiarity is important. So share about yourself
3. Share your struggles in growing in Jesus.
4. Pray for the other person daily. Life the person and his or her life
situ
ation and also the specific needs
5. Share the insights and messages that you receive. Don't advise but
gently
share.
6. Be a constant encouragement for growth in holiness and zeal for
sharing
Jesus.
A word of caution
--------------------
** This sharing is not a session of confession
** Should we share everything?
** Don't be a burden to the other. No very long mails, not too many mails
** If you are imprudent you will suffer for it. What all areas to share,
how
deep you can go.
** Don't be possessive. Some may imagine that as a prayer partner I should
have known certain things.
** Don't be too inquisitive.
** Don't use these chats as an excuse for gossip. Respect the privacy of
other people. Judging or blaming someone who can't defend is an act
injustice.
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