A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. At the beginning of the year many people decide to start over with the beginning of the New Year.
They may decide to lose weight, to go on a diet, to read more often, to improve their grades, to take school more seriously. To fix up things around the house.
To run on the treadmill, a mile, or even a marathon. To take musical instrument lessons, a certain vacation, or a class.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus makes these two statements.
Matthew 5:14 - 16 (NKJV) 14“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1 (ESV) 1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
These two statements are only verses apart. They almost seem contradictory. The reason why one verse, Mt. 5:16, states to shine before men and the other verse, Mt. 6:1, states to not do your righteousness before men is because some of our worship to God needs to be private; prayer, reading His word, giving. Once we establish these in our own personal life we can then shine before others.
Ken Griffey Jr., the Hall of Fame baseball player of the Seatle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds made this statement on the MLB Network after his induction to the Hall of Fame.
“My dad always told me that… people don’t need to see you do your work. As long as you do it, that is the important thing… I built a batting cage in my house and would hit 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning because that is when I wanted to hit. I tried to do things when nobody was watching because people have a tendency to show off when people are watching. I wanted to be that guy who I knew I got it done and nobody else was watching.”
Prayer is one of those private integral aspects of the Christian faith. Prayer is a sacred dialogue between believers and their Creator. Prayer serves as a transformative and deeply personal experience that strengthens the connection between individuals and God. Continuing in the Sermon on the Mound Jesus emphasizes the importance of private and sincere prayer.
Matthew 6:6 (NKJV)
6But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
As you consider resolutions this new year, consider establishing a prayer time. Prayer builds a personal and intimate connection with God (Heb. 4:14-16), alleviates anxiety and ushers God’s peace (Phil. 4:6-7), gives guidance (Jer. 29:12), and gives a spirit of gratitude and a communion with God (1 Thes. 5:16-18).
An athlete practices, a soldier trains, and a Christian prays. So, establish prayer as part of your daily routine this year. It can become more than just part of a checklist, but an intimate time spent with your Creator and Savior.
Will you make a New Year's resolution to commit to prayer in 2024? Join us as a prayer partner and commit to lifting up The Paw in Hand Project in your prayers. By becoming a prayer partner, you will receive direct information and specific requests, allowing you to intercede for our clients and the overall success of The Paw in Hand Project. Your prayers make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Join us on this journey of hope and support.
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