Happy New Year!
I was reading a dear friends blog last week and she mentioned a resolution (she got this idea from her friends blog ), a non-resolution if you will, that consisted of one word. Not a pile or a list of things to hold yourself accountable to (that you’ll break by the time spring hits) but just one word that could sum up your goals for this new year.
I was challenged by this and knew I wanted to take part in it too. I already knew what I needed to work on (a whole long list of things! 🙂 ) but I needed to come up with a single word that could help me stay focused through the year. I asked God and He revealed a seemingly simple word but a word that has more power to it than people give it credit. A word that is somewhat unnatural for us to do in a very self-sufficient world that wants to do everything in its own ability. A word that would change all of our lives if we took more time to do it. A word that caused the Israelites to win battles, that fed 4,000 people with just 7 loaves of bread, and a word that helps us have an intimate communion with God. I need more of this word.
Prayer
I want to be known as the woman who prays, who prays without ceasing, and a woman who prays in FAITH knowing that God is able! Not just with my morning petitions to God but deep, intimate, uninterrupted conversation with Him. Prayers where I don’t rush half way through because I have to be somewhere in 30 min. Prayers where I get lost in God’s goodness. I think I’m too busy to pray at times but it’s the complete opposite: “I’m too busy NOT to pray” <– (Insert book title that I’ve started to read 🙂 )
I know what the power of prayer can do in someone’s life. I see influential women in my life that are so faithful in their praying. I know if I leave a request in their hands it will be prayed for…whatever the outcome may be. I want to be that woman.
Prayer encompasses so many things I want to carry out this year because all of my goals need to be lifted up in PRAYER. Everything needs God’s sifting. Everything that I’m going through, that my husband, family, and friends are going through; need to be lifted in prayer.
God asks us to pray, to pray with faith that can move mountains, and to pray without ceasing.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
“…For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:20-21
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I want to lay everything before God and pray through it not in my strength but in His.
What is your one word?
(I’d love to hear your thoughts!)
Inspirational Lisa. Truly. You are so right! I read this and for me it was the word “commitment”. I was thinking commitment to nursing my daughter while working part time, to keeping a clean home with a baby, losing all the baby weight…etc. but I can’t be committed to these things unless I commit to Him first. Starting with prayer! So thanks Lisa – you put this into perspective for me. And I know we can do it by puting Him first!
That’s awesome Alexis! I can’t imagine how busy/different life is with a new sweet baby girl but it’s all about your relationship with Christ, first, and then let your other relationships and commitments follow. That’s why I left Purdue…simply put: God wasn’t first. Now He is! Sometimes you got to take a bold step to make the changes you want…starting with prayer!! 🙂 So happy you were challenged/encouraged by this!
you are so right!! you have challenged me. while sitting in church yesterday – i looked over at someone and the ONLY thing i heard or saw back to me was PRAY FOR HER. so that too is my challenge – to especially pray for this individual. bundle up with trying to strive for me to be more committed in my life with a few things that need prayer also. families, etc are always on the list but i have need to also take inventory in my life as well. thanks for yuur challenge.
That’s encouraging mom! I’m praying for you…always!
mmm, so good! love you friend!
Well said wife! Very encouraging. I love your example and desire for Jesus, praise the Lord!