What We Need to Spend More Time Doing In 2021

You, me, and We The People need to dig deeper into God’s word this year. I’m not talking about just reading but meditating on what you read and praying more passionately and more often.

It is not just me that believes this but my friend and fellow blogger Sherline from Sherline’s Watchu Thinking Blog is also thinking this way.

I’ve been praying more often and with more passion than before and planned to continue doing so this year. When I saw Sherline’s post a few days ago it served as affirmation that prayer combined with a deeper dive into God’s word is most important for getting through 2021 for We The People.

Pray is the most powerful weapon on earth. We all have access to it, no password, thumbprint, or retinal scan needed to access it. Just pick up the Bible and start reading. Pray back to God the words or the sentiment of the passage you read.

If you feel intimidated, there are plenty of resources out there to help you along the way.

Here are a few from my bookshelf.

Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation, Find True Peace in Jesus – by Robert J. Morgan.

Biblical meditation is the powerful practice of pondering, personalizing, and practicing Scripture.

Robert J. Morgan – Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation, Find True Peace in Jesus – Introduction pg. X

Morgan states that even though we practice Biblical meditation, we will still “struggle with the shadows.” I can testify to the truth behind that statement. While I’ve upped my prayer practice, I still have anxious moments thinking about whether or not I am prepared for all this year will bring. When anxiety sets in, I immediately ask God to calm my fears and take deep breaths. Eventually I become calm again.

The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions edited by Arthur Bennet.

I have LOVED this book ever since I got it years ago. In fact, the copy you see in my picture is my second copy as the first one fell apart from so much use. Here are a few lines from my two favorite prayers:

The Valley of Vision – LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY, Thou has brought me to the valley of vision, where I live the depth but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.

pg xv

AND

REGENERATION – O GOD OF THE HIGHEST HEAVEN, Occupy the throne of my heart, take full possession and reign supreme, lay low every rebel lust, let no vile passion resist thy holy war; manifest they mighty power, and make me thing for ever.

Pg 47

I know you too will find prayers and devotions that resonate with you as well. These two prayers are to be read at my funeral, providing we are allowed to have funerals when I die.

English Standard Version Study Bible – Crossway. I have several versions of the Bible other ta the ESV. I also have a New International Version (NIV) and a Living Bible (TLB). I like how different translations word verses. However, if I have to suddenly pack up and bug out in a hurry, it will be the NIV Study Bible that goes with me as it is smaller than my ESV.

So I encourage you to get one of these books or any other book you find that appeals to you start digging in God’s word and praying more this year.

I will be publishing other resources to help you get through whatever fecal matter is going to hit the oscillating unit this year.

Bio: Michele Kearns is the founder and HUG© (Hope Unites Globally) Award-Winner of JoyReturns. She shares her widowhood adventures hoping to inspire widows to move through grief and rebuild their lives. A graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in communications, she’s currently using those skills as a virtual logistics contact center representative for a Fortune 100 company. She’s also managed call center teams, co-facilitated a grief support group, and helped small businesses with various writing assignments. Michele is a bookworm, and a lover of history, music, chocolate, red roses, and golden retrievers. She is also the amateur photographer behind the blog OgleOhio.com.