There is something about the start of a new year that compels me to set new goals. This year I am focusing on spiritual goals. Prayer, in particular, is a main focus. It is easy for me to get into a rut with prayer and forget that Jesus listens.
I find it helpful to have a new resource or tool to help me stay focused on the goal. I have always enjoyed Sarah Young’s devotionals. She has a new one out titled Jesus Listens. It is a new prayer everyday. It keeps me focused on the many ways we come to God in prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer is how we are instructed to pray. Many of us memorized this in church and can recite it without much thought. Without thought is the issue. Many years ago, I realized how routine this prayer had become for me, so I changed the way I recite it. I emphasize certain words as I say it publicly and privately. Words like ”your will, forgive, not into, is the, and,” remind me the power within in the prayer and the true desire of my heart to see this prayer come to fruition.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13 NIV).
Something changes within me when I pray like I mean it, when I pray with focus and intent. I wish I could say I pray that way every time. My goal this year is to pray with that kind of focus and intent more. Jesus listens and I need to pray like He is right here in the room with me every time. This practice has changed the Lord’s Prayer for me. I can’t wait to see what it does for my entire prayer life when I take away the routine of it. Here’s to new goals in 2022!
How is your prayer life? Does it need a reboot? What spiritual goals have you set for this year? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.