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We’ve been discussing how we passionately commit to Christ as believers from Luke 9:23-26. In this scripture, Jesus clearly tells us that if we want to follow Him, we must self-deny. If we’re going to be fruitful and effective this year and all that is to come, we encourage you to realign, recommit, and be passionately committed to Christ. This kind of commitment requires persistence in prayer and wisdom from God.

So what does it look like to practice persistent prayer? To start, we cannot take scripture lightly; being crucified with Christ cannot be taken lightly. We hear and read the scripture, but typically don’t rest as seriously nor sincerely as we should. Scripture should be taken heavily. Meditate on it, make it heavy, and be intentional in your connection with scripture.

Furthermore, receiving the crucifixion of Christ at a deeper level involves constant communication with Him—enter our prayer life, which needs to be intentional; absolute intentionality is crucial in our relationship with Christ. So often the first thing we do in the morning is pick up our phone, turn off the alarm, and then start going through emails and social media; this is a cultivated habit. In the coming weeks, we will be suggesting seven habits to help us become more effective and fruitful followers of Christ.

Today, we’re talking about two disciplines: practicing persistent prayer and engaging in worship. When we say worship, we mean from our hearts—worshipping and bowing before the Lord from our heart for who He is, not just what He’s done. We are told in scripture to give thanks to the Lord because He is good! He is the Creator—look at the vastness of all He’s done. When we worship Him as Creator, it reshapes your prayer life and the potency of your prayers.

As you start your day, read and meditate upon Psalm 24:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers.
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
And who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face—even Jacob. Selah.

7 Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates,
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah.”

When we understand the words of the text and why we should engage in worship—when we understand who He is, the King of Glory—our worship changes for the better. When we engage in worship through the practice of persistent prayer, this is how we connect to Christ and become effective and fruitful followers of Christ Jesus.

Family, what do you think of this? Are these spiritual habits you already practice? Let us know in the comments how this word spoke to you!