From the Heart

 I am praying specifically this year that we would become a people of passionate prayer. The first step in praying passionately is coming clean before God. We all must commit to seeking spiritual cleansing together. My desire is that we would be a church that walks together in the power of God. God simply will not move if we allow unconfessed sin to remain in our lives. The Bible says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18). If we hope to experience God's power and blessing this year then daily confession is not an option. Remember, serious cleansing requires getting alone with God on a regular basis. My prayer is that we all will be faithful to ask God to search our hearts and reveal our sin. Ask God to give us broken hearts and contrite spirits over our compromise. It's time that we get down into the dust before God, with deep humility, and a forsaking of sin. Pray the prayer of the Psalmist, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). Agree with God about each need revealed in your life, confess each sin, with the willingness to make it right and forsake it. Praise God for being forgiving and correcting.