"When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying...They all joined together constantly in prayer..."--Acts 1:12, 14

It's 31 December 2007, and a new year is upon us. All the wrapping paper from Christmas is either still in the trash can or out on its way to the dump. The presents that once were wrapped are now being used and abused, or put away, never to be used again. People are starting to write those dreaded thank you cards and hoping that they will get theirs out before everyone else.

And now New Year's Eve is here, and that means resolutions. Resolutions of how this next year, 2008 will be better than this last year, 2007. What are your resolutions? Are they to diet more, exercise more, eat less? Are they to spend more time with family, forgive others more, study your Bible more? What is your wish for this new year?

In Acts, the disciples have just seen Jesus head up into the clouds. Their close friend, who they've done almost everything with for the last three years has now left them. But they are suddenly filled with hope as two angels stand by their side and tell them that Jesus will come back. And so we find them heading down the Mount of Olives to this upstairs room.

Here is where we find them in Acts 1:13, all eleven disciples, plus Mary Jesus' mother, and Jesus' brothers, praying. That's what they were doing, praying. One might wonder why they would be found praying. But I don't. This is how they start their ministry, with prayer. They realized that their connection with God was so important, that they should continue it if they were to receive the Spirit of God.

The disciples started out their ministry with prayer. Our own ministries have already been started, God has led you and me to our various ministries. However, one thing should be clear, prayer is important. Prayer is a good way to start out this new year. So instead of going to that all important party, instead of finding someone to kiss at midnight. How about trying some prayer?

Pray that in this new year God can use you to do what needs to be done. That you can be a light to the world for Him. Pray that this new year will be a year dedicated to Him, and see what happens. Who knows, maybe you'll change the world.