A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 4: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i on: The I nward Di sc i p l i nes 133

he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (cf. Num. 14.11; Ps. 78.22; Heb. 3.12; 4.2; Gal. 5.6; John 3.18).

e. Prayer must to offered in the name of Christ, John 15.16 – You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you (cf. John 16.23-24; Eph. 5.20; Col. 3.17; 1 Pet. 2.5).

B. The Personal Dimensions: prayer must become the main business in the life of the one who maintains a compelling testimony.

1. Prayer for the man or woman of God is “the most serious work of their most productive years” (Foster, Celebration of Discipline , p. 34).

2. A focus on praying in secret, Matt. 6.6 (cf. Ps. 17.1; Eccles. 5.2)

3. Based on the model of Jesus, i.e., “the Lord’s Prayer,” Matt. 6.5-13

a. Adoration and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty

b. Petition for daily needs

c. Forgiveness according to our own forgiveness

d. Supplication for supply and deliverance from evil