Prayer

 “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”

Ephesians 6:18-19

A new year and new opportunities.  Opportunities for the glory of God to be displayed.  Opportunities for the gospel to be shared.  Opportunities for grace and blessing.  Opportunities for prayer.

My desire is that you do not start this new year “dry” or “depleted” (a hectic holiday season can do so…).  But I also desire that you do not start this new year overconfident or on an “artificial high” (inflated anticipations of a new calendar year can do so…).  God and his gospel is the remedy for both.

“You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).  You have because of the loving kindness of God in Jesus Christ (James 1:5; 2 Peter 1:2-3).  Draw near to the Father in prayer (James 4:8a).  Draw near to one another through prayer (James 5:16).  Be refreshed and strengthened through the means of prayer today and everyday throughout this year and beyond (Colossians 1:9-12).

Pray today for continued and increased grace and blessing of the gospel in your life to the praise of the glory of God.  Pray for continued and increased gospel influence in the lives of your Anchor Baptist Church family members.  Pray for those you know (specifically) who have not yet heard or received the grace and blessing of the gospel.  Pray that you may “open your mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel”.  Pray that God’s glory would be made manifest in the lives of people by means of the gospel!