Good Afternoon!
I visited the book store in Dayton recently where they sell all books for a dollar. Linda is an avid reader and she had a field day! Her arms were loaded with books as she approached the counter to pay. I, too, found a couple of books that were an interest to me. One of the books that drew my attention was entitled "The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic" by Matthew Kelly. But, the subtitle was the hook that caught me. It reads, "How Engaging 1% of Catholics Could Change the World."
Now, that title may not present an interest to you, but, I am curious what 1% of engaging born-again believers in Jesus Christ would do to change our world. Seriously. I find myself substituting the word "believer" into the mix and find it to be absolutely true. I'm going to give to you the first point the author shares about becoming dynamic in your relationship with Jesus Christ. He talks about us being spiritually healthy.
He states that "the most dominant quality among Dynamic Catholics (Believers) is a daily routine of prayer."
Again...I plug in the word Believer because this is NOT a thing for only Catholics, rather, it is THE THING for Believers...God's children!
He gives what is he calls a "Prayer Process." Read it...it's really good.
1. Gratitude: Begin by thanking God in a personal dialogue for whatever you are most grateful for today.
2. Awareness: Revisit the times in the past twenty-four hours when you were and were not the best-version-of-yourself. Talk to God about these situations and what you learned from them.
3. Significant moments: Identify something you experienced today and explore what God might be trying to say to you through that event (or person).
4. Peace: Ask God to forgive you for any wrong you have committed (against yourself, another person, or Him) and to fill you with a deep and abiding peace.
5. Freedom: Speak to God about how He is inviting you to change your life, so you can experience the freedom to be the-best-version-of-yourself.
6. Others: Lift up to God anyone you feel called to pray for today, asking God to bless and guide them.
7. Finish by praying the Our Father (Lord's Prayer).
WOW! Isn't that great! If you and I can have that kind of daily prayer life it would empower us as believers in Christ. He states that that "The first sign of a Dynamic Catholic (Believer) is prayer." Again, the substitute of "Believer" for "Catholic" is necessary. I know as well as you that I would not use the word "Baptist" as a substitute. The key to making a difference in your life is to grow in your relationship with God...and it begins with a great prayer life.
By the way...I pray the Lord's Prayer often. It teaches me several things about praying. For example, He is my Father. He is to be exalted above all things. It teaches me that I am to pray with a desire for Jesus to return quickly. It teaches me to be thankful for His provision that He gives daily. I don't take that lightly. It is a reminder that I am a sinner and need and want His forgiveness. It reminds me that He is the King of His kingdom of which I am a member...He is the all-powerful One, all-knowing One, present with me wherever I go.
Use these Prayer recommendations in your daily Prayer time. Hit print on your computer and make this list a part of your praying to become a Dynamic Believer in Jesus Christ!
May God Bless You!
Don Betts
DBEA/campus320