By Jonathan Graf

Over the years, I've heard a few pithy sayings about prayer. "Prayer is caught, not taught," and "You learn to pray by praying." Both are true, but the effect of these sayings has added to the prayerlessness of many churches. Why? Because they keep churches from being deliberate about discipling in prayer.

These two truths make us assume that prayer will happen naturally. But as I've visited churches across the country, I've observed that it usually doesn't. Without consistent discipling in prayer, the following often happens:

• Intimidation. Newer believers usually hear mature pray-ers only in church. Often they think, I can't pray like that. As a result, they believe their feeble attempts at prayer are worthless, and they don't pray much. 
• Hitting the wall. New believers and children seem to get more specific prayers answered quickly. Why? I believe God wants to prove Himself to them. Also, they haven't let skepticism enter their prayers. But after a while, most of us reach a place where our petitions don't always bring the same results. Many give up on prayer at this point. But good discipleship would prepare us for this. 
• Shyness. Many believers--especially men--are shy about praying in public. Shy pray-ers will not pray with others, and this can mean death to powerful corporate prayer in churches, in small groups, and in families. Good discipleship in prayer will not let them stay stuck there. 
• Stunted Kingdom Mindset. Believers who don't pray don't grow. The more we pray, the more we are infused with God's heart. And God's heart is for the lost, for the nations. You want your people to be Kingdom-minded; teach them to pray!

Praying churches are deliberate about discipling in prayer. They make sure that Sunday school classes-at all age levels-regularly provide instruction on prayer. They hold prayer conferences, retreats, and seminars. They train their men in how to pray! And they provide plenty of opportunities to pray, so prayer can be caught and practiced.

Here are some recommendations:

1. Have organized prayer instruction at least every six months (every three is better). Teach an elective in Sunday school, on Sunday night (if you have a meeting then), or in small groups. Look for studies that go beyond simply "prayer as relationship." There are some excellent resources available that take people into Kingdom praying. My personal favorite is Lord, Teach Us to Pray (NavPress 2003) by Pastor Fred Hartley. It is a 13-week study based mainly on the prayer teachings of Jesus from Luke and John. The last three chapters present a thorough look at the relationship of the Holy Spirit to prayer. Other favorites are Approaching God (NavPress 2003) by Lee Brase and Blueprint for the House of Prayer (Prayer Point Press 1997) by Terry Teykl. 
2. Train your leadership. Many churches are hampered because their elders, deacons, and/or pastoral staff have little sense of expectancy from prayer. A simple but effective resource to disciple leaders is My House Shall Be a House of Prayer (Pray! Books 2002). Another effective tool is Pray! Magazine. Discounted prices are available on bulk subscriptions. Go to www.praymag.com for information. 
3. Focus on teens, young adults, and men. At the risk of being sexist or aged-prejudiced, I believe our most effective results will come here. First of all, I have observed that women are more naturally drawn to prayer and older believers are more likely to be stronger people of prayer due to life's experiences. Young adults and teens are more driven by experience; they need it and seek it. Since prayer is experiential, our discipleship efforts will more readily take root here. And why men? Linear and pragmatic thinkers, they are more likely to have been thrown by some of the afore mentioned problems. And when coupled with authority and headship issues, a father/husband who prays is a powerful force in the Kingdom!

If we want to see our churches grow in prayer, we must be deliberate about discipling and providing opportunity for people to pray!
--Jonathan Graf