What if praying became your force for Good?

I know I know- not you right??? Recently I read of some of the "habits" or some might call them "rituals" of athletes. Some major league pitchers will eat the same meal prior to their scheduled start. Some athletes swear by getting the gym at the exact same time every day. Some insist on wearing the same article of clothing.

Some would say this is nothing more than superstition? What if it's just "getting our head in the right place"?

Did you know Jesus had habits? I don't believe he was superstitious. It's just He knew that being connected to His Father, spending time with God, talking back & forth about life was important.

In reading Luke this morning I was struck by the number of times Luke specifically mentions Jesus "getting away in order to pray". (9x by my count)

Jesus often- regularly- withdrew; got away in order that He might pray. What could you do to build this into your life? Here's a couple ideas:

1. Put it on your calendar. Schedule it. I have it as an appointment on my outlook calendar.
2. So what will you do when you get there? Read a paragraph of scripture. Ask the Lord to say something to you from this portion of His word. Take the word of God as His instruction for you in the moment. Look for a promise to lay hold of. A principle that you can put into practice. For me today I was reminded that in almost every instance in the NT where the God asks us to pray we are also asked to be Thankful. To be grateful. Like praying and gratitude, seeing the Goodness of God in our life are to be intertwined.
3. Then pray- Don't just think about it- but do. Our muscles grow as we exercise them. The disciples asked Jesus once, "Lord teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1) You can learn to pray. You can learn to pray better. But only as you pray.
   Some of you are a bit more advanced so here's a couple thoughts for you.
4. Write down you what you're praying for- maybe in a journal, but someplace where you have a record so that when the Lord answers you, you've got record of it!
5. Each day write down 3 things for which you are thankful for. This really forces us to slow down & reflect. To think. To look out & see what the Lord is doing for us and around us.

Come be a part of what God is doing this Sunday! Make it a habit, a discipline, to be with your family worshiping Jesus together! See you this Sunday friend.

Pastor Mike

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