Day one
This morning on the radio there was an analogy made that each day is like a reboot for us and that each new year gives us the opportunity to take a look and see if we would like to upgrade. I've decided that I would like to upgrade this year with a commitment to pray and read my scriptures each day.
Praying each day is not new to me, but I would really like to work on the quality of my prayers this year. Praying with real intent and with a sincere heart. It is easy to say a quick prayer, going through the motions, but with little emotions. I think that of all the people that I should have a quality conversation with, it should be God. How many times have I cheated myself with a quick, shallow prayer? I don't know what I was thinking! I am hoping that with thoughtful prayers I will stay centered on Christ and be more in touch with the direction my life should go.
With that in mind I took some time this morning to think about what I wanted to say to God before I prayed. I first thanked Him for the opportunity to have another day with my family. I thanked him for their love and support and for the opportunities I have to serve them each day. I thanked Him for putting the gospel in my life and for forgiveness. I talked with Him about my weaknesses and concerns. (This took a good part of my prayer!) I asked for the wisdom to make better decisions, the patience to continue with my desire for improvement, the strength to do my best at every task, the courage to fight for what I believe in, and a desire to be the best mom and wife that I can be for my family.
I then prayed for each of my family members and my friends. This is normally a part of my prayers, but this time I expressed a desire to know what each of them needs and the part I can play in their journey. I expressed my love for them and for the Savior. When I closed with Amen I took some time to reflect and to listen. It was a good way to start my day and a perfect way to begin the new year. Now it was time to turn to the scriptures.
I am reading the Doctrine and Covenants along with the seminary students this year. I started with Section 64. There's some really good stuff in Section 64. You should know that when I read the scriptures I read them as if the Lord is speaking to me. I'm sure that the advice and lessons given to others are a great opportunity for me to learn also.
Here is where my thoughts on one verse lead me:
64:2 For verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion upon you.
Wow, 'I will that ye should overcome the world!' Well in my prayers I had asked what His will is for me and then I read this verse. So I should overcome the world, sounds easy enough right?
I needed to know more about how to overcome the world so I read the foot notes which led me to
1 John 5:4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
So from this I took that one necessary element of overcoming the world is faith. But I needed more info. on the 'born of God' statement.
I was led to Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Another element: Born of God means living my life not for what I want but what the Lord wants. I am working on this and luckily I included this in my prayer this morning. I think that the faith spoken of earlier is necessary for this type of complete dedication. I am starting to see some of my weaknesses come to light. I need to have enough faith in the Lord to seek his will and then do it, everytime!
I go back and re read the original verse. I realize that the Lord does not intend to let me flounder in my pursuit to overcome the world. He states, " wherefore I will have compassion upon you." What is the Lord's compassion?
Micah 7:18-19 "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, becuase he delighteth in mercy.
He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
Another element: God's compassion, mercy and forgiveness. I like the line 'he will subdue our iniquities". There is hope for me! How grateful I am for such a loving God!
This is how I started my day. I started with a great conversation with the Lord and then studied the scriptures and learned a lot about what direction I should be going. I have kept these thoughts close to me throughout the day and even found myself making decisions based on what I learned. I love it when you can apply what you learn to real life situations!
I am looking forward to the next conversation and study session. I hope you are too!
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