Back to Basics/Link up with RagstoStitches

 

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You know how no matter what new trend comes along, be it exercise, fashion, decor, insert yours __here________.  It is always so refreshing to get back to the basics?  The core of what you do, who you are?  This is true even now as we embrace a new year, a fresh start, a clean slate, new planners, diets, workout regimes, insurance plans, etc.

I was reminded of this on Sunday when our Pastor started a new series on the first weekend of the new year, entitled Breakthrough, with the first segment being focused on PRAYER!!  Wow, what is this?  Exactly what I need in many areas of my life.  The text was taken from the parables of Jesus.  Matthew 7:7-12! Where Jesus teaches on how we pray, with what attitude, how we approach our Heavenly Father, God.  How we are to ask for what we want and trust that He will give it to us.  This one point blew me away as our Pastor threw it out there.   I guess at times I am not sure how to ask God, My Heavenly Father, because maybe I think of how I would ask my earthly, biological Dad.  Did you get that?  Yes, we tend to view our Heavenly Father through the lens of a child who was disappointed perhaps by her earthly, biological father.  Rest easy my friend, as our Heavenly Father is not going to disappoint.  No, you read it correctly, He will not, can not fail us.

  To me this is textbook, elementary in that I have learned this over time as a Believer.  It is classic, authentic, vintage, original, fresh! This passage is like your favorite pair of Converse or broken in Levi's.  It is that great little black dress that you go to every time, the one you add your Grandma's pearls to and voila` the most iconic outfit in your wardrobe.

This is what prayer is to me.  This is what Jesus wanted/wants for us.  To pray and believe.  I feel as though this has been sort of on my horizon for the last few years.  I pray and feel led to pray, so no big stretch here.  I feel stretched, however with being consistent.  Our Pastor outlined a few points that I feel are so doable, like maybe I can stick with this whole consistency thing after all.  

1. We need to set aside time to pray and reflect.
2. We need to make prayer a habit.  We make good habits when we know why we are trying to achieve something/goal. i.e. I want to crash my Half Marathon time, so I need to train, etc.
3. Set a goal(for me consistently praying daily)
4. Create the environment, i.e. soft music, candles, etc.
5. Become accountable(tell someone what you are doing) girlfriends, roommates, neighbors, etc.

A few practical prayer points:

1. Personal-family, spouse, children, you
2. Work or financial needs
3. Missional-What are you doing for others?

I think this would be a great time to break out those cool journals, planners and neat apps that are brainy phones, pads,etc. have on them.  

What do you think?

I am linking up with this lady! Click here for details!