Command 10: Begin Discipleship

Here is Matthew 4:18-22 from the New International Version (NIV):

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the example of the first disciples and their immediate response to Jesus' call. Thank You for showing us what it means to follow You wholeheartedly and to prioritize Your mission above all else.

Lord, help us to understand and apply the lessons from this passage. Teach us to hear Your call clearly and to respond with obedience and faith, just as Peter, Andrew, James, and John did. Help us to let go of anything that holds us back from fully following You, whether it's our careers, relationships, or personal ambitions.

Father, we ask for the courage and willingness to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Remind us that following You is the greatest adventure and the most fulfilling purpose we can have. Help us to trust that You will equip us for the work You've called us to do.

Lord, we also pray for a heart to "fish for people." Give us a passion for sharing the gospel and bringing others into Your kingdom. Help us to see the people around us through Your eyes and to love them with Your love.

Thank You for calling us to be Your disciples and for the privilege of being part of Your mission. May our lives reflect Your glory and draw others to You.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.