My resolution.

I don't really like to make new years resolutions because I always seem to set myself up for failure. February hits and I feel anything but good about myself. Sure, I have a few goals for the year (who doesn't want to lose a few pounds, drink more water and climb mount kilimanjaro?) but this year I really want to focus on the people I know and love. I pray a lot..but it's usually on my behalf, or on behalf of the really cool sweater I could be wanting that week. This year my goal is to spend a significant amount of my prayer time focusing on other people & their needs. It's going to be a challenge because I know I'm a selfish person..but I shall do it! My list is growing, and you can bet your bottom dollar you're on it :)

On a side note..well not really a side note, but kind of. I was looking through one of my old notebooks from when I was in youth & I found this prayer I used to read all the time before bed. It always encourages me to lift up people I know need a little..and even those who don't. Sooo rewind to 2002, and here you have it!

Father, I ask you to bless my friends. I am asking you to minister to them at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence in your ability to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask you to give them understanding, guidance and strength as they learn submission to your leading. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask you to renew them by revealing your nearness and by drawing them into greater intimacy with you. Where there is fear, reveal your love and release them to your courage. Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it and break its hold on my friend's life. Bless their finances, give them greater vision and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in you to defeat it. I ask you to bring my friends who don't know you, to you. Let me be a good witness to them. I ask you to do these things in Jesus' name.