Messenger

When we spend time in prayer with God, God often speak to us. It’s so simple that we don’t usually give it much thought. God most typically speaks to us as we read the Bible in the form of a thought that’s consistent with the truths of Scripture. Sometimes when God speaks, it’s just for us to carry in our hearts, but other times it’s for us to pass along to someone else. Consider sharing what the Holy Spirit reveals to you in prayer. This could be over coffee with a friend, at a church small group, on social media—or a number of other ways. You never know how timely and life-changing a simple truth born in prayer may be for the person you share it with. Now that’s something to pray about!

Justice

This week we commemorate one of the greatest champions of civil rights in our nation’s history, (the Rev.) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who famously wrote that “an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Maybe you’ve wondered if the Bible speaks to the issues of justice and injustice. The good news is that it does in great detail. In fact, Jesus Himself addressed this very subject in His parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge, in which He connects prayer to swift justice. My encouragement is to read this parable in Luke chapter 18 as it reveals an important truth—that prayer is a powerful means to God’s perfect justice in our world today. Now that’s something to pray about!

Spirit Of Wisdom

Continuing with the theme of wisdom from last week’s Prayer Point, we look to Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus (from Ephesians 1:17)—that they would be granted a “spirit of wisdom.” The apostle knew that there was a need for Jesus’ church in that particular time and locale to have greater wisdom in their Christian service. Likewise, Solomon—when he first became king—asked God for greater understanding and so God granted him a “wise and understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:12). Throughout the Bible—Old Testament to New Testament—this truism shows up time and again: wise people pray for wisdom; foolish people assume they have wisdom. Throughout 2022, let’s be among the former rather than the latter. We need wise leaders and churches more than ever before. Now that’s something to pray about!

Wisdom

One of the things I’ve been praying about as we begin the new year is for God to grant me fresh wisdom. A new year means new opportunities and new challenges; many new decisions need to be made that all require varying measures of the wisdom of God. James 1:5 comes to mind, which reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” It’s so easy to become wise in our own eyes and begin leaning on our own understanding. Let’s heed James’ Spirit-filled advice and recognize our need for a generous dose of the wisdom of God in every area of our lives. God promises to come through when we ask. Now that’s something to pray about!

Prayer Resolution

Now that all the presents have been opened, the buzz about New Year’s resolutions is at its peak. While things like exercising more or going on a particular diet can be good things for us physically, I can think of nothing better for us spiritually than a prayer resolution for 2022. Take some time this week to ask God to help you maintain a consistent prayer life throughout this coming year. Plan out what parts of your day and week can be devoted to drawing near to Jesus. In fact, consider starting a regular prayer gathering at your church or home this year and invite others to join. Let’s look to 2022 with eyes of faith. God is faithful to draw near to us when we draw near to Him. Now that’s something to pray about!