One of June’s favorite authors, Larry Warner, has written something he calls “Preparing for 2021.” In it, he recommends thinking about how we can partner with God in prayer and action for the coming year. Here’s some of what he wrote:  

Here is an aid for your personal preparation for 2021. It is not about losing weight or exercising more but seeking to name and embrace God invitations so you can more fully partner with God and live Jesus in the new year.  

Then he asks the following. (My initial response scriptures are in parentheses. Yours could, of course, be very different.) 

What are your prayers for the World? (1 Timothy 2.1, 2)
What are your prayers for the Country? (2 Chronicles 7.14)
What are your prayers for the worldwide church? (Ephesians 3.14 – 21, Philippians 1.9 – 11)
What are your prayers for your community? (Deuteronomy 15.11)
What are your prayers for your local church? (Ephesians 4.11 – 15)
What are your prayers for your family? (Genesis 18.19, Psalm 112.1, 2)
What are your prayers for your life? (2 Timothy 1.7) 

Tomorrow I’ll continue with Larry’s challenge – how do we assess our prayer intentions?

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5.16, NIV)