Dear Fellow Disciples,
In January, many of us are going to be thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Some of us will even have some written goals.
In January, the gyms are full (for a month), the diet books are purchased, and everyone seems to be excited about change for the new year.
But does it work?
I do believe that well-crafted goals can and do work, as long as there is a good plan in place for reaching those goals. But I know something that works better than goals: habits.
I know habits work. And this is because, in my own life, I know that lasting transformation looks more like little daily changes than monumental aspirations. In other words, true change for me means a change in my everyday habits.
In 2018, we will begin a year of prayer. I want to invite you to look at your prayer habits, your daily rhythms of speaking to God, listening to God, and being in God’s presence.
Beginning January 14, we’re going to begin a preaching series on prayer, based on some of the topics in Mark Batterson’s book, The Circle Maker, a book on the importance of prayer.
During our Wednesdays in Lent, we’ll be journeying with Nehemiah and learning how to pray from his prayers. Our Bishop has even written a Bible study on Nehemiah for this year of prayer.
As we turn the calendar from 2017 to 2018, I want to invite you into a conversation on your prayer habits, especially new ones you’d like to develop. Beyond the resolutions and even beyond the goals, what new habits is God inviting you into?
What do you think?
Happy New Year!
Persevering in Prayer,
Pastor Matt Musteric
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 220 Cedar St. Pemberville, OH 434
Phone: 419-287-4182
Memory Verses for 2018
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. +Philippians 4:6-7
