Top 2009 New Year's Resolutions for Praying People

We all know the old New Year's resolutions that people make every year. Lose weight. Stop smoking. Eat healthy. There's certainly nothing wrong with determining to live healthier lifestyles, but perhaps 2009 can be the year that we think about the wider world and what our prayers can mean for it.

New Year's Resolutions that Benefit Family or Friends
Pray for spouse, children, another family member, or friend every day before going to sleep. At any given time, you probably know someone among your family or friends who is battling with grief, illness, or needs of some kind. For many, 2008 has been a tough year, and 2009 is looking bleak. Include prayer for them in your 2009 New Year's resolutions.

Write a note expressing your prayers to one individual each month. Prayer is powerful, regardless of whether the subjects of your prayers realize the time you've spent on their behalf. But when they do know, they may take strength and encouragement from that knowledge. Resolve to write a note once a month in 2009 to someone for whom you've been praying.

New Year's Resolutions that Benefit the Community or Church
If you participate in a community or church program on a regular basis, commit to pray every time before you enter the building or area where the activity takes place. If you don't participate, pray for a program that you've heard about. The simple reminder of entering a physical place where a ministry or program operates can remind you to pray.

Prepare for church each week by reading a Psalm. The church hangs together; if your heart is right when you enter the service, everyone else will benefit. The book of psalms contains hundreds of beautiful prayers. It is an excellent resource when you don't know how or what to pray. Make a New Year's resolution to prepare your heart for church each week by reading a Psalm in private. If people often approach you to talk before the service, stay in the car for a few minutes alone, or sit in the bathroom stall and read.

New Year's Resolutions that Benefit the State or Region
Set aside time once a week to listen to the news or read a news story about your state or region.Pray about that story. When you check your e-mail, read a news story from the state section of your local paper's website. Or flip on the news on your local radio station while you commute to work. Read a newspaper while you ride the bus. Watch the news on TV. As the story concludes, pause to pray about the people or issues discussed in the story.

Obtain a schedule of the state's legislative meetings. Pray for them the days they are in session. You don't have to pray for an hour. Mark the meetings on your calendar and say a quick prayer when you look at your schedule for the day and see your note. Leaders make tough decisions every year; 2009 will be no exception.

New Year's Resolutions that Benefit the Nation
Resolve to pray each week for the leader of your nation. Obama will take office in 2009. Whether you think he's the greatest candidate who's ever lived or you can't stand his politics, Obama needs wisdom. Any person does when shouldering such heavy responsibility as leading a nation. Make one of your New Year's resolutions to pray for the president each week.

Participate in the National Day of Prayer this year. Every year, many Americans join together one day to pray. Resolve to join your fellow citizens in this observance. The next National Day of Prayer falls on May 7, 2009. For more information, visit the official website.

New Year's Resolutions that Benefit the World
Sign up for updates from an organization such as Voice of the Martyrs. Every time you receive an update, pray for the needs described. Voice of the Martyrs is not the only worthy organization you may wish to investigate, but you can sign up for their e-mail updates here.

On each major holiday, pray for Christians in other parts of the world. Pray that they will stand firm in persecution. Pray that the gospel will spread. Pray that missionaries will gain further opportunities where they work. Pray whatever God lays on your heart. January 2009 offers a fresh start; use it to your advantage. Make some New Year's resolutions that will impact your world.