New Year’s Resolutions, Connecting and Prayer

Did you make a New Year’s resolution last week that you were excited about? Are you less excited about it this week than you were last week (smile)? Has it already found itself blended in and kind of lost in the “normalness” of your life-style and habits? Time has a way of wearing down our emotional excitement attached to things that were once new and full of promise.

A resolution to renewed regular workouts and a healthier diet isn’t as exciting when I’m at pushup number 20 on my way to 30, as it was when I was just envisioning the new, healthy me as a product of my resolution. About four days into my new resolution, with muscles aching and a body not wanting to jump up out of bed, the excitement about my resolution has worn off and I have a decision to make. Will I live in this “newness” because it’s exciting or because it’s good and healthy – and will I continue to pay the price for it?

As a follower of Jesus since 1969, I’ve noticed my prayer life is similar. Prayer can be very exciting and renewing – but not always. Sometimes it’s mundane. Prayer has an unusual way of being like my own emotions – up and down. But, it’s ALWAYS good. Why? God doesn’t change – and He’s always there – regardless if I feel Him or not, sense Him or not. He’s sharing life with me and as excited about me talking with Him as I am when my children or, now, even grandchildren call on the phone.

Prayer doesn’t even have to be profound – it’s about relationship. When my two year-old granddaughter, Stella (who is already speaking fluently and clearly in two languages), calls and says: “Gwaaaammmpppaaa?,” I know the conversation isn’t going to be deep, but the smile it brings to my face and heart that she just wants to talk to me about “whatever” is one of the great joys of life. We’re connected.

God doesn’t care if you think you know how to pray or not – whether you are great at prayer or not. Try talking to Him, about “whatever” at any time of day. He is there, and you will bring great joy to His heart by turning to Him and acknowledging that He is there. I start by knowing He loves me. Our grandchildren call us because they know we love them. I promise you, your life will noticeably change (probably not just to you) as you regularly “connect” with Him.

Now I pray, not because I’m always excited about prayer, but because it keeps me connected to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – and open to the blessings and flow of His Holy Spirit to renew, comfort, even coach me in Life.