Passion for Prayer

Rediscovering Our Passion for God: A New Year's Journey
As we stand at the threshold of another year, it's customary to reflect on our lives and set resolutions. But this time, I want to approach it differently. Let's delve into a journey of rediscovering our passion for God, which can transform not just our personal lives, but also extend to our families and communities.

Gratitude and Prayer: The Foundation
Our journey begins with gratitude. We thank God for another year, recognizing His constant presence in our lives. In moments of failure or uncertainty, it's this unwavering presence that sustains us. As we open our hearts to receive His word, we step forward with a prayer for guidance and wisdom.

The Quest for Passion
As we navigate through the familiar territory of New Year's resolutions, it's crucial to introspect and ask ourselves – what changes are we seeking? Are they merely superficial adjustments or do they stem from a deeper desire for spiritual growth? I found myself pondering these questions, contemplating my role in my family and church. It's not about doing more but about focusing on what truly matters, guided by God's wisdom.

A Revelation: Passion is Key
In this quest, God's message to me was clear and simple: passion. Initially, it seemed puzzling. My faith, my reading of the Bible, my prayers – weren't they reflective of my passion for God? But the challenge was to deepen this passion. It's not confined to the start of the year; it's an ongoing, evolving journey.

Passion: The Core of Our Series
This revelation leads us to a series on passion. We'll explore how to amplify our passion for prayer, worship, and ultimately, for God. Remember the fervor when you first embraced faith? That's the intensity we aim to rekindle.

Two Paths: Circumstances vs. Passion
Our attitude towards life's experiences, like a routine visit to the DMV, can illustrate our approach to passion. We encounter people who, despite mundane or challenging circumstances, radiate positivity. This is the essence of true passion – not allowing circumstances to dictate our spirit, but rather, using our passion to transform these situations.

Lessons from the Scriptures

  1. 1. **1 Corinthians 15:57-58**: Paul's words remind us of our victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. He urges us to be steadfast and enthusiastic in our service to the Lord, for nothing we do for Him is in vain.
  2. 2. **The Seven Churches in Revelation**: These churches, each with unique challenges and strengths, offer profound insights. Particularly, the church in Sardis, which had a reputation for vibrancy but was spiritually dead, serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of maintaining our passion for God.
  3. 3. **Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains**: It's a call to revitalize the remaining virtues and faith within us. We must not get lost in the pursuit of the new but focus on nurturing and strengthening the existing good in our lives, in our relationships, and in our faith.
  4. 4. **Remember and Repent**: Reflecting on God's past guidance helps us stay true to our path. Repentance isn't about shame or guilt; it's a transformative process, a turning point towards God, leading to a refreshing new start.


The Power of Passionate Living
A life infused with passion for God transforms every aspect of our existence. It's about strengthening our existing virtues, remembering His teachings, and continually realigning ourselves through repentance.

Transformative Repentance
True repentance is turning away from past mistakes and embracing a path aligned with God's will. It's a refreshing journey that revitalizes and restores us.

Living the Word
Incorporating the teachings of the Bible into our daily lives is crucial. It's not just about reading the scripture but about letting it transform and guide us.

A Call to Action
As we embark on this journey, let's focus on:

  1. 1. **Strengthening What Remains**: Let's nurture the good within us, in our relationships, and our faith.
  2. 2. **Remembering and Applying God's Word**: Reflect on His teachings and integrate them into our daily lives.
  3. 3. **Repentance and Renewal**: Embrace repentance as a positive, transformative process leading us closer to God.


Conclusion: A Prayer for Passion
Let's close with a prayer for increased passion in our lives. May this year be one where we not only seek to grow closer to God but also let our lives be a testament to His love and grace. As we strengthen what remains, remember His teachings, and embrace repentance, we move towards a life of deeper faith and fulfillment.
May our journey this year be one of renewed passion, not just in our words but in our actions and in the love we share with the world around us. Amen.