"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, Who knows all secrets, will reward you." (Matt. 6:6 NLT)

Happy New Year to you! As we dive into 2017, what is the best and most important piece of advice I could share in this new year? Pray it up!

In the busy lives we all lead, we need time to get alone with the Lord and pray. When we’re in our bedrooms, our cars, the bathtub or any other place - we can have what I like to call a “pray-versation” with the Father. We need to be intentional to have our "receivers" up at all times, ready to hear from Heaven's Headquarters!

The truth is, we need to get ahead of the curve in prayer. Have you ever felt "behind" in prayer? I have. It seems like the two things the enemy likes to steal from Christians are: time in the Word and time to pray. It's no surprise: the devil knows that if he can cut off our communication line with Heaven – we are on our own – and somewhat powerless! When we get too busy to spend time in the Word or in prayer, we start to operate in the energy of the flesh and in our own understanding and we become easy targets for discouragement, fruitlessness and frustration.

This year, by God's grace, I encourage you to fight to spend time in prayer (and in the Word!) – connected to Heaven. Here’s a few things you can pray to get started right away!

Father...

...I want 2017 to be a year of prayer. I want to be closer to You this year. I know You confide in those who spend time with You and I want to hear Your secrets. (Psalm 25:14)

...I want to pray heartfelt prayers that make tremendous power available! I know that prayer puts Your power on deposit for anytime I need a withdrawal. (James 5:16)

...I want to saturate my heart with Your Word and let it dwell in me richly because I know that when I pray according to Your Word, You hear me and if I know You hear me, I know You will give me the things I have requested. (John 15:7, 1 John 5:14)

...I want to pray out the future – now. I want to hook up with the Holy Spirit and as I pray with my understanding and in the spirit, I know You will help me to pray out Your will for the future. (1 Cor. 14:2, 13-15)

...I want to pray so that "Your kingdom comes and Your will is done on earth as it is in heaven" – in my life, in our family, in our church and in all You've called me to do. (Matt. 6:10)

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

So, now that 2017 is started on the right foot, let's continue to pray it up throughout the year!