From Resolution to Revolution - Prayer in 2018

     Happy New Year everyone!  After a Christmas holiday full of binge eating, gift giving, and absolute clutter in our house, I love that I now get to regroup, refocus, and make commitments to kick off 2018. You know, I think the timing is great; last week we celebrated the birth of Jesus--the miracle of life, that would later be put to death to give us everlasting hope. Over the last two weeks I have soaked up that miracle, admiring manger scenes in people’s homes, lights on trees, carolers singing the good news, and much more.  Although nativity scenes freeze that precious moment in time, God wants us to set our admiration of that child into action. I love Christmas with the best of them, but to vacuum the last pine needle off my floor felt great. It’s like that month of admiring the manger refuels us for a new mission.  We need to go and tell the story, live out the grace and forgiveness, and resolve to live every day thanking God for the hope we have in Christ.  
     One way to do that is to recommit yourself to prayer.  When I started this journey, God convicted me that I needed to pray more and with more appreciation for what a gift it truly is. I can approach God the All Knowing, All Healing, All Forgiving, and All Powerful because of that baby that was born in the manger. If you are looking for a tangible way to kick off a prayer resolution in 2018,  look no further.  The 30 Day Gift is not only a great way commit to prayer, but also a way to love others in a deep and sincere way.  Let’s commit to pray, not just in January, but every day of the new year!

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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