Reflections and Applications from the Pastoral Epistles and Prayer
The spiritual disciplines assignment beginning in week one was transformative. I started the course very excited about this assignment, for I have previously struggled with Scripture reading and prayer, focusing most of my attention on my courses. While I recognize that learning is also a discipline to be embraced, I acknowledge now that it has led to the neglect of other, more crucial disciplines.
Introduction
The spiritual disciplines assignment beginning in week one was transformative. I started the course very excited about this assignment, for I have previously struggled with Scripture reading and prayer, focusing most of my attention on my courses. While I recognize that learning is also a discipline to be embraced, I acknowledge now that it has led to the neglect of other, more crucial disciplines. It truly breaks my heart that I have missed so much time with the Lord because I have focused too extensively on my studies. Therefore, I cherish this course and God for allowing me to spend time with Him in these disciplines. In short, my excitement for this assignment was not misplaced. This brief essay will reflect on my time in God’s Word and talking to Him in prayer, drawing out lessons learned and seeking to apply them to the Christian and pastoral life.
Lessons from the Pastoral Epistles
The Pastoral Epistles provided me with profound insights into the responsibilities and character of a pastor. Primarily, I not only learned of the significance of knowing sound biblical doctrine but of being transformed by it, so that my teaching and ministry reflect this godly and compassionate character.
In 1 Timothy, Paul writes to his disciple Timothy to instruct him on how to deal with false theology and to encourage him to continue the good fight of the Faith. Primarily, 1 Timothy 4:7-10 and 6:11-12 remained significant to me throughout the course:
[T]rain yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.1
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Because I am not yet a pastor, I have felt as if I am in a time of preparation. These two excerpts have reminded me that my godliness comes from my Savior, Jesus. Where I am struggling to be godly, I must flee to qualify for the ministry and serve God and others. Yet I know that I should not and will not cease to become more godly even once I am ordained. Pursuing godliness is a lifelong journey; I will only be perfect the day Christ comes again to make everything new.
Reflection on Prayer
I was also edified and built up by God in my prayer time. I found it very helpful to pray through the passages mentioned above. My prayers, praying 1 Tim. 6:11-12, for example, often looked like this: “Lord, help me to flee sin, to pursue righteousness, godliness, and gentleness. Help and equip me to fight the good fight of the faith. Help me to take hold of the eternal life you gave me and that I have confessed to others.” While I understand the Pastoral Epistles were written to someone for a specific occasion and purpose, I cannot help but put myself in their shoes so that God speaks to me and in doing so, he brings my attention to areas of my life where I must be more godly or where I need His help.
I seek to enhance this devotion and will spend far more time praying than before, for I know it is crucial to my spiritual health as a Christian and as one training to become a pastor. I plan to read a book on prayer over winter break and practice some of its insights.
Implications for Pastoral Ministry
Overall, this assignment was very reflective. Spending time with God in His Word and in prayer has shown me areas of my life that I need to work on. For example, I know that I must continue to be consistent in prayer and reading so that God can continue to enlighten me and conform me to the image of Christ, for I have neglected these disciplines, and I do not wish to be in that place again. I know that pastoral ministry will be impossible if I do not stay grounded in communicating with God. I consider Spurgeon’s words wise regarding a regular practice of prayer: “I take it that as a minister he is always praying… If his heart be in his work, he cannot eat or drink, or take recreation, or go to his bed, or rise in the morning, without evermore feeling a fervency of desire, a weight of anxiety, and a simplicity of dependence upon God. Thus, in one form or other he continues in prayer.”2
Bibliography
Spurgeon, C.H. Lectures to My Students. Brentwood, TN: B&H Publishing, 2023.