LE3 .A278 2019

2019

McNally, John

Acadia University

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

Ministry

Acadia Divinity College

This thesis explores the quintessential role of prayer in the lives of God’s people with biblical and theological perspectives, aiming to help immigrant Chinese pastors in Canada to see the necessity of prayer for their holy living, though sojourning in a foreign country. As prayer is a necessity for God’s people, this thesis also explores some typical spiritual disciplines for Christian formation, especially cultivating prayer life. A three-dimensional prayer practice, namely the “3-2-1 Prayer Cell”, designed by the researcher, is introduced to the immigrant Chinese pastors in Canada, aiming to encourage them to cultivate prayer as a priority in the blessings of the Triune God and in three dimensions: to grow in God’s community of love through communal prayer, to listen to the Holy Spirit through spiritual direction in His fellowship and to abide in the Word of grace through Scripture meditation in silence and solitude. A pilot research study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of the practice of the “3-2-1 Prayer Cell” on prayers. The findings show some evidence hat the practice of the “3-2-1 Prayer Cell” is helpful for prayers to cultivate prayer as a priority in their personal lives as w ell as in church ministry. They support the consideration to further study with a larger scale and improved research instruments for a more accurate evaluation.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3221