As I reflect on 2023, blessings come to mind. And so do burdens. Prayers that were answered, and other prayers that remain unanswered. Friends who stood by me, and others who avoided me. Days when I had health and energy, and other days when I was so tired I felt I couldn’t hold my head up one more moment. Times of relaxation, and times of enormous stress. Hope that filled my heart, and disappointments that crushed my spirit. The prospect of living through another roller-coaster year is almost daunting. I know it will be another year of faith-stretching, faith-building, faith-strengthening experiences. Another year of waiting … of working … of watching for His return.

My beloved and wise mother must have had days and weeks and months and years like this, too. Because on the windowsill by the kitchen sink in our home when I was growing up was a little gold-framed saying that had fallen into the sink so many times it had water stains on it. She gave me an exact duplicate of it, which I have hanging in my pantry. The saying reflects Mother’s typical, whimsical sense of humor: “Praise, Pray, and Peg Away.” It has become my motto as I face 2024.

WITH PRAISE

Read Isaiah 6:1-4

Isaiah’s vision was of the pre-incarnate Son of God—Jesus—according to John 12:41.

Praise Him for His Position

• Where was the Lord when Isaiah saw Him? Isaiah 6:1.
• When did He leave that position, and for how long? Philippians 2:5-11.
• What position does Jesus hold today, and where does He hold it? Ephesians 1:20-23. 
• How extensive and permanent is His position? Matthew 28:18;
  Acts 10:36.
• Is there anyone higher in authority than Jesus? Use a phrase from Isaiah 6:1 or any of the above verses for your answer.
• What difference does His position make when you appeal to Him in prayer? John 14:13-14.
• What is His position in your life? Romans 10:9-10.

Praise Him for His Power

• Give the word or phrase that refers to the power or authority of Jesus in Isaiah 6:1-4.
• From the following verses, describe the power of Jesus over the physical as well as the spiritual realm: Matthew 8:1-3, 5-13, 23-27, 28-32; 9:1-8; Mark 1:32-34; 2:1-12; Luke 5:1-11; John 6:1-14, 16-21; 11:1-44.
• Use the following passages of Scripture to praise Him now for His power: Colossians 1:15-20; Revelation 5:9-13; 11:15; 15:2-4.
• What reason does Paul give in Colossians 1:9-14 for needing to be “strengthened with all power according to His glorious might”?
• How have you experienced the answer to Paul’s prayer in your own life? 

Praise Him for His Purity

• For what specific attribute is Jesus praised in Isaiah 6:3? How is this repeated in Revelation 4:8?
• Describe how this attribute was recognized even by His enemies. Mark 1:24.
• What do you think it means to be holy? Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2.
• What does it mean to you that Jesus is absolutely pure and holy?
• If you are a follower of Jesus, is holiness optional? 1 Peter 1:15-16.

WITH PRAYER

From Philippians 4:6-7, give a pattern for effective prayer. How closely do your prayers follow this pattern?

What were the disciples doing, and what do you think they were praying for as they gathered in the Upper Room? Acts 1:6-9, 14.

What promise are disciples today also waiting to be fulfilled? John 14:1-3.

What specific instructions does Peter give us while we are waiting? 1 Peter 4:7.

What are some things we should pray for as we seek to serve Him while we wait? Luke 10:2; Ephesians 6:19-20; Acts 4:31.

What challenge does Jesus give us in Mark 13:32-33? (See the NKJV.)

What difference do you think your own prayers make? James 5:16-18.

How will you know the difference your prayers make if you don’t pray?

WITH PERSEVERANCE

Give at least three things we are exhorted to do and apply them to the New Year. Hebrews 10:23-25.

Write out Romans 8:23-25 in your own words as though you were explaining it to someone else.

What could be a significant reason for the ups and downs, the blessings and burdens, the triumphs and trials of your life? James 1:3-4.

Give a phrase from James 1:3-4 that reveals God’s purpose for you is not health, wealth, prosperity or a problem-free life. What is the goal stated? What is your goal? Is it at cross purposes with His goal for you?

How does Peter encourage us when life is hard? 1 Peter 1:6-7

Give the progression of our inner maturity in Romans 5:1-5. Do you think we could skip a step and still mature spiritually? 

How does Hebrews 10:35-39 encourage you?

As we face another year, would you join me in claiming and clinging to His promises with praise, prayer and perseverance until our faith becomes sight? ©2023 BGEA

This article is adapted from a study originally published in January 2017. 

Anne Graham Lotz has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 40 years. Her newest book, which she co-authored with her daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright, is Preparing To Meet Jesus—Moving From Salvation to Transformation. It can be ordered from major booksellers online.

Above: Ruth Bell Graham smiles in her kitchen.

Photo: BGEA Archives