Dear Fellow Disciples,

Do you have a set rhythm for daily prayer?

A process for developing a personal prayer rule.  We began with assessing where we currently are in terms of personal prayer practices and then we began to paint a compelling picture of where we would like to be. Then we created an initial plan. This week we will develop a personal prayer rule.

The key here is to get specific and detailed. Many experts in the realm of goal setting use these guidelines for setting goals that work, using the acronym “S.M.A.R.T.”:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-sensitive

Here’s an example of what not to do: “I will pray more in 2018.”

And here is an example, using the SMART framework, based on my own personal prayer practice:

“At 6:00 am every morning I will rise and begin my day with prayer and devotions for 45 minutes. I will read the Moravian Daily Texts and pray for those on my monthly and daily prayer list. I will read the Scriptures in the Daily Devotional Guide. I will review the previous day and journal my thoughts using the Ignatian Prayer of Examen. I will read and review the Scripture verses I am memorizing this year.”

To review:
A = Assess where you are
B = Begin to paint a better, compelling picture of where you would like to be
C = Create an initial plan
D = Develop a personal prayer rule

Then begin again…
A = Assess again regularly throughout the year: What is working? What is not?

Persevering in Prayer,
Pastor Matt Musteric
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
220 Cedar St. Pemberville, OH 43450
419) 287-4182 or www.bethlehemPemberville.org
SUNDAY: Worship 9:00am Faith Formation: 10:20am