It’s January, and in the classic western tradition, most of us are thinking about things we can change to make this year better than the last. Whether it’s eating healthier, going to bed earlier, or hitting the gym… New Year’s is the time to commit to healthier habits. But for Christ-followers, it’s also a time to consider what spiritual habits should be cultivated in our lives so that our faith can grow and make a powerful, eternal impact.  

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations,” and this is what He asks His followers to do today as well. 

 But how do we carry out this great commission in our everyday lives? How do we make disciples of every coworker and customer, and vendor?  

The simplest way to start? Prayer.

And by prayer, I mean praying for your coworkers, employees, bosses, clients, and vendors by name each and every day. When you pray for people by name, God starts to transform your heart to see those people the way He sees them, and that, in turn, changes how you interact with them. 

It makes it easier to love those who are a little unlovable, it makes it easier to stop and listen to those who sometimes talk too much, and it opens the door for you to do real, life-changing ministry. 

If you want to transform your workplace and have your life transformed at the same time, start praying for those you have often contact with, by name, each weekday. Do it on your way to work or your lunch break, and see what happens! 

Oh, and if you want to join a community of other Christ-followers with this same spiritual New Year’s resolution of prayer, check out the iWork4Him Nation Covenant. 

-       Jim