New Year’s Resolution #1: Awake and thank!

New Year’s Resolutions.

Also known around my house as “Things you start, knowing you’re going to fail.”

But let’s make 2013 different.

For the next few days, we’ll give you a number of New Year’s resolutions that — if done with regularity — should help in your spiritual walk. And ultimately in your hands and feet church marketing skills and outreach to others.

New Year’s Resolution #1 — Commit to pray.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says:

Pray without ceasing.

Impossible? Maybe.

Worth trying? Of course! The Bible says we need to do it.

What I would advocate (and I’m not a theologian or a preacher, but I think I’m okay in saying this) is a little bit here and there and more and more as you progress.

Try this approach: Awake and thank.

When you wake in the morning, thank God that you are alive and have another chance to be the best you can be for Him that day. Thank Him for the things He’s done for you — the most important being the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Thank Him for His provision, His love, His grace. Ask Him for the opportunities to share His love with others throughout the day.

Then, throughout the day, do your best to recognize each of His blessings and thank Him for those. You will see prayers answered. You will improve your communication with God.

And if you drop the ball one day? Pick it up the next.

As we continue to develop our relationship with God through prayer, it will be revealed in our actions toward others as we extend the love of Jesus to our family, friends, and neighbors.

What prayer tips can you offer to others?

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