Prayer for January 2, 2013
Our scripture focus this week is from 2 Peter 3.9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
The first of January is when many people decide to embrace a new start. However, the success rate for New Year’s resolutions is abysmal. The media predicts the rate at which these promises will be broken before we even make them.
So what are we to do? Are resolutions to eat better or to exercise or to spend more time with those we love or to learn another language useless? Should we abandon these ideas—or as one commentator suggested—tell no one what we resolved to do, or better still—keep these resolutions reasonable and easy to reach?
On this second day of a New Year why not decide to go for the big one? Why not decide that this year is going to be a year to honor “on earth as in heaven”? Why not decide to seek to discover God’s vision for each of us?
Gordon MacDonald has three steps from his book Ordering Your Private World that would be helpful in ensuring that this year’s promises have more chance of being kept.
1. Start each day asking, “What do You desire of me today, Lord? What can I do that brings you honor?”
2. Ask the Lord, “Show me where in this world sin has not taken root so that I can see what you are revealing to me through Your loving heart.”
3. Ask, “Where can I serve You, Lord Jesus, by supporting and encouraging others?”
Last year I decided to ask myself these three questions every day. My success rate was not perfect, but on the days in which I made one of more of these my focus, I was truly blessed. The Lord stands ready to support us. The Lord waits patiently for us to seek guidance. Perhaps, those resolutions we easily forget are doomed not because we are weak, but rather because we believe it all depends upon us. We forget that God wants to help us—if we but seek God’s guidance.
Recap Prayer and Challenge: Dear Lord, Help us to remember that when we honor You we honor all of Your creation. Help us to remember that you are actively in our lives revealing your love to us. Help us to serve You knowing that there is no greater purpose. In Jesus name, help us to embrace a New Year knowing You do not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Amen.