One Word for 2017

Over the past couple of years, I’ve asked God to give me one word to live by, a word amplified in my life, well beyond a level already achieved. Two years ago, the word was “give.” Last year the word was “sacrifice.”

What is my word this year, Lord?

Between you and me, I wanted the word to be “breakthrough.” I desired a breakthrough in Pearls of Promise like never before; opportunities to share teaching and the gospel to larger, more numerous groups. However, I knew that was my idea, not God’s.

So as I seek this word like a miner seeks gold, one word continues to peek through.

“Pray”

But Father, I already pray.

“Pray more.”

Is this really my word?

“Pray intentionally.”

What does that look like?

“Make prayer a priority.”

And then I realized that in my morning quiet time, Bible study often dominates prayer time. My prayers are usually hurried and a last minute addendum to interpretation of the Scriptures. God was saying he wants conversation with him to be more of a priority in 2017.

“Prayer” precedes “breakthrough.”

I am still struck by something well-known evangelist Franklin Graham shared in his message Sunday night at church. When talking about his nationwide visit to all of the state capitals in 2016, he said people didn’t brave the wintry elements to hear him speak. “They were there to pray.” God placed his statement in neon lights as if to say, “That’s your word Lisa.” “It’s not about your speaking. Prayer is more important.”

So “pray” it is.

And God has already laid it on my heart to write a Pearls of Promise blog series on prayer to start the New Year, to organize a Prayer Conference in the fall, and to simply allot more time to prayer every morning.

Tomorrow, I have carved out the entire day to pray for Pearls of Promise, for my family and for you. If you have any prayer requests, send them to me at lisabworley@pearlsofpromiseministries.com. It would be my honor to lift them up before the Lord as I attempt to live out this very important word for 2017.

And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)