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 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; his good, pleasing and perfect will. 
(Romans 12:2)
In today’s passage of focus, the Apostle Paul issues admonishes believers to maintain ongoing renewal and growth of a Christ-centered mind.
Admittedly, the challenge isn’t always an easy one to meet with consistency as we scurry about carrying out the tasks and duties of our day-to-day lives. Arguably, however, one of the most fireproof methods for meeting that challenge is the act of devoting time each day to be alone with God. Doing so may mean that some task or other goes undone until tomorrow, but the trade-off is of unspeakable value – immediate as well as eternal.
   
Each moment spent in prayer fuels a vehicle for daily dialog with the One who so sweetly invites us to converse with Him, and the importance of that daily conversation cannot be overestimated. Perhaps the strength and renewal the practice affords to us on a spiritual, mental and physical level partially accounts for the 250+ times that prayer is referenced in Scripture.
Proactive prayer facilitates the aforementioned strength and renewal in a myriad of ways. For one thing, it gives us the distinct opportunity to share every aspect of our lives with God. It also allows provides a setting for God to communicate with us through His Holy Spirit when we are quiet and willing to listen. Through daily prayer, we also receive the privilege of acknowledging the fact that Someone much more capable than we is holding the reins when it comes to being in control of our lives.
Conclude Day 2 of A 30-Day Conversation by reflecting on the following questions before documenting your PRAYER conversation for today in light of your responses. 
            In what ways, if any, is the pattern of this world or the culture in which I live
            pressuring me to conform to it?
            What task or pastime am I willing to trade today for time with God and renewal of
            my being in order to draw nearer to Him and further from conformity to the world?
           
Praise and Thanksgiving:
            In your own words, who is God to you personally? What has He done for you specifically
            in the past day or so – especially the little things – that surprised you or drew you
            appreciation?
Repentance:
This one seems obvious, but consider making a deliberate commitment to go
            beyond “I’m sorry” and make a sincere commitment to do your best through Christ
            to lay these sins aside.
Adoration:
            Love Him. Worship Him. And don’t be afraid to do so with hymns or other songs of
            worship…sometimes mere words may not seem adequate to you. That’s ok!
Yielding:
Is there something you need to turn over to God? A circumstance you can’t control?
            Complicated relationship? Your own will that’s struggling with His will?
Expectation:
What are your concerns, your hopes, your dreams for your church? Your family?
Friends? Not-so-much friends? Yourself?
Restoration:

            End your conversation with the firm knowledge that you are God’s and God is yours.
            Affirm your trust in His all-powerful, never-ending presence in your life. Thank Him
            again for what He’s done for you in the past and what He will do for you in the future
            that’s in accordance with His will. This is an important and proactive demonstration of
            your faith in Him.

Copyright 2017 Carole Anne Hallyburton. All rights reserved.