To grow in my prayer life and be more engaged in how I seek God daily .
Resolution #1. I promised I’d say how I was going to accomplish these goals o’ mine so here I am.
I work with kids and teens who often don’t have a whole lot to look forward to. This past week, I’ve been helping them craft their own resolutions. It’s very easy to come up with ways they’d like to change or improve themselves. But the how? That’s a little harder. It’s also a cop-out. When we say we want to lose weight but don’t come up with a plan of how that will happen, we’re bound to fail. Coming up with the how is difficult, because it means hard work is ahead. But it also makes me feel empowered that I can actually make these goals a reality.
{Now accepting bookings for motivational speaking. Ok, onto the hard work!}
One way I plan to accomplish this is through a devotional I was gifted by Beth Moore called Praying God’s Word Day by Day. I like the short devotionals for the morning and this one has each day written as a prayer using scripture, so I don’t just read passively but have to actively engage with what I’m reading. I read during breakfast, prior to getting on the computer and doing non-important things like checking Facebook. :)
I’m also thinking about starting a prayer journal. I try to pray frequently throughout the day so prayer is an ongoing conversation….not nonstop of course, but not just at meal times either. I know lots of people that write down what they’re praying for so they can go back and write down when prayers are answered. I think this would be such an encouragement and a way to fully give credit to God for the way He responds. Do you log your prayers like this? I’d love to hear any tips!
Off to kick myself in gear for Resolution #2. Hope everyone has a happy Monday!
This is such a great goal. It’s actually one of ours to. We started reading a devotional entry every night after dinner as a family (and one-year old Madelyn yells above us the entire time bc she thinks it’s a game :) I’ve also heard that the book Jesus Calling is a good one. If I get it I’ll let you know!
I also keep a prayer journal because I find it easier to talk to God this way. Often I read through my prayers to reflect on if I am praying for God’s will or my own. Sometimes I go through them to give thanks to the prayers He has answered and pray to accept the noes when they come as well as prayer to stay patient for the ones He has yet to answer.
Another way that you can grow in prayer is to make a point of praying for others.
Thanks for the suggestions! I think I might just have to start one.