Day 16 of 40 days of devotion

Written by Janine Boutelje

One Word: Pray
The idea of choosing one word for the year has appealed to me for many years. As I was considering my word for 2018, I wanted to go with love as the series from 1 Corinthians 13 last year impacted me with the realisation there is much to grow in love. However, the Lord had other ideas and pray is my word for this year – selected before I knew about Devoted and all that goes with Acts 2:42 All the believers devoted themselves…to prayer.

I first came across the idea of choosing one word for the year in 1988 and chose grace as my word for 1989. God’s grace was shown in many ways as we moved countries and when Terry Virgo preached on grace at one of our (then) New Life Church services, I was amazed at my choice of word. Over the years God has deepened my revelation on grace. I have chosen various words for the year, some to be forgotten by February…or March. Last year, being more intentional, I chose focus as my word, and this led me to run two Living Forward courses over the Summer and Autumn Terms of Equipping, plus some other achievements, all because of focus.

Back to pray for 2018. I’m really excited that God was one step ahead of me for Devoted. As we’ll be abroad for 30 of the 40 days of Devoted, I have decided to go with praying in the Spirit during this time.
Ephesians 6:18a
‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion’ and
1 Thessalonians 5:17
‘Never stop praying’
are my prayer banners for this season of Devoted.

This comes with challenges as we visit with family and friends and will spend time in sightseeing in the new countries we visit. But I’m up for the challenge to Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. With some careful planning and being intentional – and writing this blog of my commitment – I eagerly wait to see what the Lord does in me and the impact it has on others’ lives.

To sign up to receive the daily blogs by email click here.

If you would be willing to write one of the daily blogs contact hannah@jcceg.co.uk