Proverbs 16:9 - "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
 
I admit - I have not made resolutions for any new year for years. I can make all the plans I want, but I want to walk with the Lord and the steps that he has established for me. I end 2021 by looking forward to 2022. Do I make resolutions or do I not? I need to discern where God is leading me. To do that, I return to a prayer (resolution) that I started in 2000.
 
"Lord Jesus, help me to get to know you better, today."
 
Getting to know Jesus better opens my eyes so that I may more clearly discern his will. Getting to know him helps me to learn how to best treat those around me. Getting to know him better helps me to learn how to care for myself. Getting to know him better helps me to become a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to me. Getting to know him better empowers me to live in a way that pleases God because I have a deeper understanding of the needs of those God has called me to serve.
 
It’s a simple prayer but it is not an easy one. The words are simple. Putting the words into practice is not so easy because it will cost me the willing sacrifice of my will to the One that sacrificed himself for me. I am to take up my cross each day.
 
When I put this prayer into practice, I am surrendering to the Lord so that my steps are established by the Creator of all that is.
 
My prayer:
Lord, simply stated, help me to get to know you better, today. Lord, give me the strength and courage to deepen my relationship with you. Empower me to live into this practice by my daily walk with those you bring into my life.