It seems every year when we start a new year people like to make resolutions or promises whether out loud or to themselves that they are going to make some changes or start doing something new or being more committed to this or that. I think it is good to set goals or attempt to make necessary change in ones life because sometimes we get into these ruts that need to change. Sometimes its the conviction of the Holy Spirit that empresses upon our hearts some spiritual changes we need to make to become more Christ-like, because God is always at work in us both to will and for His good purpose (Phil.2:13). That is because God is in the process of conforming us to the image of His Son (Rom.8:29). The thing is we are ever changing and we live in a world of change and sometimes the change is needed or unexpected and sometimes it is good and sometimes not so good, but the reality is things are constantly changing.
With that being said, I want to challenge you to be praying into the new year, not just at the start of the year but continually throughout the year. Paul tells us to, “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). That means its something we should be doing like breathing, because it essential to our existence. Breathing is necessary for everything we do. It enables every activity. Likewise, prayer is basic and vital. It’s tied to both our present existence and perpetual endurance. Prayer is breathing (quote: John Onwuchekwa).
If prayer is essential, than why are we not making it one of the most important things we do? There are a multitude of answers to that question, but let us lay that all aside and start new and fresh committing ourselves to be men and women of prayer by creating ways that will get us praying. One way is setting time aside and being consistent when you do pray. We are not trying to become prayer warriors over night, besides putting that high of an expectation upon ourselves will lead to discouraged failure. Setting aside time together at night as a family is a great way to be intentional at praying. As a family you could be praying for your church and the missionaries from your church and you could be praying for the schools in your neighborhood, so on and so forth.
There are many things you can to do to help you become more intentional at prayer and I could give you a big list, but that is not necessary. I just wanted to encourage you to make prayer a part of your life as you head into this new year and be amazed by what God will do in you through that.
In Christ and for His Glory,
RICH WISE
