The Second Mark of Mission
To Teach, Baptise and Nurture New Believers
A Self-Led Prayer and Reflection Session
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling people to Yourself and inviting us to join in Your mission. Open my heart today to hear Your voice. Help me understand Your desire for those who are new in faith and show me how I can play my part in teaching, encouraging and nurturing others. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 28:18-20. Read the passage slowly two or three times. Sit quietly for a moment and listen for any words or phrases that stand out.
Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
Reflection 1: Called to Make Disciples
Jesus does not simply call us to make converts; He calls us to make disciples. Teaching and nurturing are ongoing acts of love that help believers grow in faith.
Pause and Reflect: Who helped you grow in your faith? How have you been taught, encouraged or discipled by others?
Pray: Thank God for those who have invested in your spiritual growth. Pray for a heart willing to invest in others.
Reflection 2: Baptising New Believers
Baptism marks a new identity in Christ and entry into the family of God. It is a public declaration of faith and belonging.
Pause and Reflect: What does your own baptism, or commitment to Christ, mean to you today?
Pray: Ask God to draw people to faith and give them courage to publicly follow Jesus.
Reflection 3: Nurturing Faith
New believers need encouragement, friendship, teaching, patience and prayer. Spiritual growth happens within a caring community.
Pause and Reflect: Are there people who are exploring faith or young in faith whom God may be calling you to encourage?
Pray: Lord, show me how I can support, mentor and walk alongside others.
Intercessions
Lord, thank You for all the people who helped me find my way in faith. The people who listened, encouraged, prayed, explained things, and simply walked alongside me. Help me to be that kind of person for someone else.
I think of people who are new to faith right now. Some might be excited, others unsure, and some may feel they’re getting it wrong. Be close to them. Help them discover more of who You are and remind them that faith is a journey, not something they have to get perfect.
Lord, there are people who are searching for You, whether they realise it or not. Draw near to them. Help them recognise Your presence in the small moments of life, in conversations, in friendships, and in those moments when they feel a tug on their heart.
Help our churches to be places where people can ask honest questions and be welcomed as they are. Give us patience when people are learning and grace when people struggle. Help us to remember what it felt like when everything was new.
I pray for those who teach and encourage others in faith. Give them energy when they are tired, wisdom when they don’t know what to say, and joy in seeing people grow. Remind them that even the smallest conversation or act of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Lord, show me who You are calling me to notice. Is there someone who needs encouragement? Someone who needs a listening ear? Someone who’s taking their first steps towards faith?
Help me not to worry about having all the answers. Just help me to be available, to be kind, and to point people towards You whenever I can.
Thank You that You are always at work in people’s lives, often in ways I cannot see. Help me to trust You more, love others better, and play my part in helping people grow closer to You.
Amen.
Personal Commitment
Spend several minutes in silence. Ask God: What is one practical step You are calling me to take this week in helping others grow in faith? Write down any thoughts, names or actions that come to mind.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of faith and for those who have nurtured me in my journey with Christ. Help me to teach with humility, encourage with compassion and serve with faithfulness. May Your Church continue to welcome, baptise and nurture new believers so that Your kingdom may grow. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Final Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look upon you with favour and give you peace. Amen.
