Resolutions PM#0522

PM#0522

Resolutions

Heb 3:13

Resolutions, Resolution.  When New Years comes, we think we have to make resolutions.  While resolutions may or not be a good thing, depending on what they are, perhaps we should take time to ask the Lord to help us draw closer to Him in the coming year. 

When we draw closer to the Lord, it will give us a new perspective on life.  There is a song that has a phrase, old things are past away, new things are here to stay.  One of the new things may be wanting to find ways to help those who have a need.    Another might be to pray for others.  All of these show God’s Love is working in your life, give opportunity to encourage others.  See Heb 3:13.

So, as a New Year approaches, take time to ask the Lord to help you grow closer to Him.  Here is a simple prayer to consider:  Father, help me to grow closer to you this next year. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection questions:

What happens if we do not make a resolution?

Why is it important to ask the Lord’s help?

As we draw closer to the Lord—how does that affect the work of God’s Love in our life?

PM#0521 Immanuel Is 7 vs14

PM#0521

Immanuel (Emmanuel)

Is 7:14

During the Christmas season, we hear the phrase ‘God with us’.  It is from Isaiah 7 vs 14 referring to the name Immanuel, which is often interpreted as ‘God with us’.

The name Immanuel carries even more significance. The letters of Hebrew words have meaning and looking at meanings of the letters of Immanuel.

We find that the letters used in the name Immanuel refer to a Strong Leader who is Jesus Christ, who came to earth for us through the mighty knowledge and insight of God  and secured life for us, by dying for us at Calvary.  It was the greatest action of love that has ever been seen. Not only is God with us, but He has secured life for us through His Son, Jesus!

All we have to do is to believe in Him.

Now when you hear the name Immanuel, remember it speaks of why Christ came to earth.  He wants us to believe in Him, and when we do, truly God is with us.

Tears, Grief, Deep Pain

PM#0520

Tears, Grief, Deep Pain

Matt 2:18, Heb 4:16, Ps 56:8

There are times when grief like billows roll;

At these times no tongue can express the deep pain of heart;

Nor can words can wipe the tears away.

When these times come, our emotions are so ragged,

that we do not know where to turn, or even turn to God.

Still we must remember there is one, who sees those tears--God.

Though we may not see Him, His is present bottling up all those tears,

--your tears and my tears.

Can we ever pray?  When we are so stunned and numb—

Perhaps maybe just a few broken words but that is all.

God understands, so go ahead and ask Him for His help.

It truly is a time of need, and God’s Word says to come to Him.

Consider this prayer:  Father, I do not understand what is going on.  I ask you help.  Be near and help me.  Thank you, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0519 Expectations, Prayer, and God's Word

PM#0519

Expectations, Prayer, and God’s Word

I John 5:14-15

What are your expectations when you pray?  You may have a quick answer, but do stop for a moment and think.  Many people when they pray ask God for something.  They get discouraged when answers are slow in coming or do not come.

When we look at God’s word in I John 5:14-15, we find that God listens and answers prayer when we ask according to His Will.  God’s will is found in God’s Word.

Now ask yourself, have you taken time to get to know God’s Word, and let it help you with your prayers?  Perhaps we should take time to learn God’s Word and let it help us with our prayers.  When we do that, God’s Word will guide us as we pray and you will see more answers to prayer.

Consider this prayer:  Father, help me to learn your word, and may it help me as I pray.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection questions:

Have you ever considered why God’s Word is given to us to help us in our praying?  Take a moment and share your thoughts on this question.

Why would the use of God’s word in our prayers help us see answers to prayer?

PM#0518 Hurt,Pain, and Woundedness

PM#0518

Hurt, Pain, and Woundedness

Where there is hurt and pain, it is hard to have a teachable spirit; one that can listen to others and build relationships.   Sometimes that hurt and pain is suppressed.  Hurt and pain cause woundedness.  When woundedness is present, we may hide behind it protectively, because our pride was hurt and it seeks to protect itself.  During these times, those actions of protectiveness sometimes use justification of what we did, to protect the hurt.  

What we do not take into account is that these actions hurt our relationship with others and Jesus. 

What can we do?  Most importantly, we will need God’s help and we can ask for that help through humility and prayer. 

Consider this prayer—Father, help me to give the pain and hurt that I have to you.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: Do you have hidden pain?—some may say not, but in reality it is possible that there are things that have happened that are suppressed or just long forgotten about that have hurt you.  Has time healed the wound of that hurt?—most likely not.  Are you aware of who is the healer?  It is possible that He can heal a deep deep hurt?—That person is Jesus.  If you have experience healing of a very deep hurt—consider taking a moment and share your experience.  It may encourage someone else.

PM#0517 Difficult times and Thanksgiving Heb 13 vs 5

PM#0517

Difficult Times and Thanksgiving

Heb 13:5

In difficult times—when issues come up—how do we turn around and give thanks???  That is a good question for most of us.  Peter was faced with the reality of angry waves when he got out of the boat and sank.  His only hope was Jesus—and he cried out to Jesus who was there for him.

The important question is, when these very difficult issues exist, how can we genuinely give thanks to God? 

Look at Hebrews 13:5 which says “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  No matter how difficult the circumstance that we face, God has said He will never leave us.  I for one can find a way to be thankful for that promise.

Here is a simple prayer to consider with times are difficult:  Father, thank you for your promise that you will not leave me and will be with me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection:

There is a song:

Just keep your eyes on Jesus,

As Peter learned to do,

When he walked that stormy sea of Galilee.

Though satan’s darts are hurled,

Just keep your eyes on Him,

And He will guide you all the way.

Writer:  Lewis Turner

What storms have you faced recently?

What would have happened to Peter if he did not look to Jesus?

Look at Heb 13:5 and share how that verse can encourage us in a storm.

PM#0516 Encouraging Others?

Heb 3:13

How well do you know your acquaintances?  If you have worked with them, maybe you know something about them, but are you really interested in learning about them?

That is only a question you can answer, but consider this—How can we encourage someone if we don’t not know anything about?

The Bible says in Heb 3:13 to encourage one another.  Also, that verse says the encouragement should be daily.

Now how do we start encouraging others when we have not be reaching out and encouraging them?  It will take some help—help that comes from God.  A good place to start is to ask God’s help to encourage others.  He will help you if you genuinely want His help.

Take time and consider this prayer—“Father, help me to listen to my friend and encourage Him your way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0515 Praying Together and Encouragement

PM#0515

Praying Together and Encouragement

Matthew 18:19-20, Heb 3:13

If we listed things that are personal to you, what might you list?  The list could range from special items given to you, sentimental items, alone time.  Now let’s ask—is prayer personal to you?  Probably most of us would say a definite yes.  What we pray about from our heart—those heart groanings—may actually be very personal.

Now I would like to ask a question, is prayer so personal, that we can’t pray together with others?  Christ encouraged us to pray with others in Matthew

18:19-20.  He did this I believe to also help us encourage one another (see Heb 3:13) by praying together.

It is difficult to for us to share, but to have encouragement from others, we need to share with others, especially with trusted prayer partners.

Father, help us to pray together and encourage each other today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PM#0513 Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

PM#0513

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Decisions, decision, decisions, we are all faced daily with decisions.  With so much demanding our time how do we decide what is important?

What happens to many of us is our plans change because of a circumstance that has come up. 

Circumstances in a military battle can keep a commander from achieving his objective by distracting him.  If we allow ourselves to be run by circumstances then those circumstances may be distractors.

How do we avoid this?  We need to spend time in prayer and ask the Lord to give us wisdom if a circumstance that just came up can be dwelt with later.  We need to be open to the Lord speaking to us.

Consider this prayer:  Father, help me in prayer to listen to you.  Guide my day, and give me wisdom about the circumstances.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection questions:

Have you ever taken time to really look at how much circumstances control us?

Are circumstances really distractors?  Explain your thoughts.

How might prayer be helpful in keeping circumstances from controlling us?

PM#0512 Encouraging Others

PM#0512

Encouraging Others

Heb 3:13

Let’s ask the following: are we encouraging others?  Heb 3:13 says to encourage one another daily.  Great idea—but what are we actually doing?

One thought is that what we do for the Lord is not to be broadcasted—Therefore we shouldn’t say anything that would encourage someone because that would be bringing attention to them.

On the other hand, others have found that when they encourage people, God has honored that encouragement, and it has challenged others to be more focused on their obedience to the Lord.  It has also helped new ministries move forward and be able to help others.

As we pray, let’s take time to ask the Lord, how does He want us to encourage others.

Consider this prayer: ‘Father, Your Word says that we should encourage others daily.  Please show us how.  We ask Your help.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection questions:

What source has the greatest influence on how we encourage others?

1. Our Parents
2. What we learned from teachers
3. What we learned from reading
4. How others have encouraged us

Why does an approach that we learn from parents affect how we may encourage others?

What about what we learned from teachers or reading—how does that affect use in how we encourage others?

If you were personally encouraged by someone where that encouragement made a difference, how has that affected you?

There is a lot to think about in how we go about encouraging someone.  One more question, especially for those who pray a lot—have you found that as your relationship with God has grown, has it lead you to encourage others more?

PM#0511 Listing to God Speaking Through Others

PM#0511

Listing to God Speaking Through Others

I Cor 12 vs 14 and 18

What keeps us back from accepting the vision God has given others?  Are we making our selves a judge of another person’s calling or dreams? Or is it that it does not fit our personal focus?

The Bible says in I Corinthians 12: 14.  For the body is not one member, but many…18.  … God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 

Now consider that if someone who carries the gospel, or the foot, should to say to the eye—I do not need you—don’t you think it would stumble?  That is similar to not accepting a vision of someone else in the body of Christ.  

What should we do?  Here is a prayer to consider:  Father, I ask you to help me listen to you speaking through others who love you.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0510 Finding Time to Pray

Finding Time to Pray

Life seems to be so full of many things, and it seems that we do not have any time free to spend time in prayer.  Yet God, throughout the whole Bible, encourages us to spend time with Him.

Many of us struggle in finding time to spend with God in His Word and Prayer.  Maybe we should consider even just a short prayer, asking for help.

Father,

May I have the Time to meditate on the Word of God;

Help me to listen to Holy Spirit speaking to my heart;

Help me to write the vision that the Holy Spirit when He spoke to my heart, in my journal;

May I have the Time to focus away from work or other cares, to focusing on You;

May I Time to read God's Word;

May I have Time for personal prayer and personal requests of mine and others;

May I always have Time for praise and worship of God.

Thank you, Lord, for helping me to have time to spend with You and your Word and in Prayer.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Past Issues

PM#0509

Ps 139:28-29, I John 1:9, Luke 19:8-11

Have you ever been afraid that something in the past may give you trouble today?  If that thing in your past was something wrong, and was not corrected, then there is a good possibility it could present trouble for you.

The Psalmist knew the problem of past unresolved issues when he wrote in PS 139: 28-29 “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there be any wicked way in me.” 

He did not want anything giving trouble.  How do we resolve past issues?  The first is to humble ourselves and confess them. (I John 1:9), then make correction or restitution if possible. See Luke 19:8-11.

In clearing past issues, we need the help of Jesus.

Consider this prayer:  Father, search my heart and show me issues that need to be corrected, and lead me in making things right.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

PM#0508 Forgiving Hurts

PM#0508

Forgiving Hurts

James 5:16

Have you ever worked on a project for other people, and when it was finished you hoped to be involved helping them understand what you put together, only to find out that it was given to someone else with out any instructions?  Did that action hurt you? 

That can definitely hurt and affect you in dealing with people and it is a hurt that you may hold onto for some time.  –Did you know that hurts we hold on to, can also affect our hearing from the Lord?  They can.

When a hurt happens, the Bible says to confess our faults one to another and pray that you might be healed.  James 5:16

Why not take those issues to the Lord and be open about them as you pray.  Ask for His help to forgive.  Clearing issues will help you hear better from the Lord.

Consider this prayer:  Father, I have a hurt from an incident that has affected me. Please help me to forgive.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0507 Blessing Others

PM#0507

Blessing Others

Matthew 6:21

It is a blessing when people pray for others and ask the Lord, “do you want me to help?”  When we pray for someone—it is important to realize the Lord may want us involved.  

Personally, I find that when I pray for some one or a ministry, I often find myself involved in one form or another.  Maybe that involvement, whether supporting by personal involvement, or financially, shows where my heart is.  And where my heart is, (Matthew 6:21), I will also be praying.

I am thankful and blessed when I hear from people who ask, “how do you want me involved?”—especially when it comes after much prayer. 

It is a blessing not only for the one you help, but God will bless you also, especially when it comes from your heart.

Consider this prayer:  Father, continue to lead our hearts to be open to your leading in helping others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Promises Come With Conditions

PM#0506

Promises Come With Conditions

Acts 16:31

Did you know that God’s promises come with conditions?  They do.  When the Apostle Paul said to the Jailer that you must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved, it is not only a statement, but a promise.  That promise is that we will be saved if we obey a condition.  This condition in this situation is that you must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved.

I challenge all of you to get a Bible and when you see a promise, look at the condition that goes with it.   

The conditions are there to help us focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer is very much involved in the promises and our prayers should focus on what God’s Word says.

Consider allowing this prayer to help you.  Father may your word lead me to important promises and help my heart desire to meet those conditions.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0505 Praying Together

PM#0505

Praying Together

Matt 18:19-20

When problems come up, who do we call for help?  If it is electrical—how about an electrician, or an issue with your car, how about a mechanic.  But many would say I would rather fix it myself. 

That last statement is true for many of us.  However many professionals often spot home jobs very quickly especially when they are not well done.   When it comes to prayer, many of us go to the Lord alone in prayer. 

I believe Jesus knew many would do that, and it may be one reason He taught his disciples to pray-together.  In Matthew 18:19-20, He instructs us to pray-together.  When we do, He will join us.  Praying-together is very important.

Take time to examine how you respond to praying with others. Then, consider, this simple thought—If Jesus taught that we should, it just might work. 

Consider this prayer:  ‘Father, help me to start praying-together with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Encouraging Others

PM#0504

Judges 5, Heb 3:13

Have you ever felt like friends abandon you at times?  I believe all of us would have to answer yes to that question.

Many may recall needing help with a dream.

In Judges chapter 5 we have accounts of some of the tribes of Israel not answering a call from the Lord to join in battle.  Read that chapter and ask—are we like that when it comes to helping a friend pursue a vision that they have from the Lord?

That is a deep question, and for many of us, we may not want to answer it.  If we find ourselves in that situation, own up to it, and ask the Lord for forgiveness, then take steps to start helping others.  The Bible does say to encourage one another daily.  Heb 3:13.

Consider this prayer:  Father I have not encouraged others. I ask for forgiveness and your help to encourage others starting today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0503 Issues and Problems

PM#0503

Issues and Problems

Matthew 6:33

Did you know many of the issues and problems we face may be because we have not inquired of the Lord?  That’s a heavy thought.  I know many will say—I evaluated all the facets and used best judgment and common sense. Shouldn’t that be adequate to keep issues from coming up? 

Frankly—that might help, but when we involve the Lord and seek His wisdom, we have His help.  Matthew 6:33 says to “seek first the Kingdom of God”.  Many other verses in the Bible encourage us to seek God’s wisdom. 

I have seen others say—why are bad things happening to me?  I do not deserve them.  I have also observed that they are not seeking the Lord’s help and obeying His word.

Perhaps we can start inquiring of the Lord by praying a simple prayer.  ‘Father, you know the issues I face.  I ask your guidance, in Jesus, Name, Amen.’

Burried Issues in Our ife

PM#0502

Matthew 6:12

If you are like many of us, if we could do somethings over again, we would probably make some positive change. Unfortunately, what is past is like a spent arrow.  Those issues can not be redone.

That thought could lead to despair, but when we invite God’s help, there is something that we can do.  That something is to forgive. Forgiveness includes not only forgiving someone else, but it includes forgiving ourselves.  Forgiving ourselves is difficult because we often feel guilty about what happened.

Taking the step of forgiving, opens the door to God’s help to us.  God wants us to bring those buried issues in our life to Him, and to forgive all those involved, including ourselves.  We can do this in prayer.

Consider a prayer like this:  Father, help me to bring the buried issues in my life to you and to forgive.  Help me to make things right.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0501 Lord, What is on Your Heart?

PM#0501

Lord, What is on Your Heart?

How often do we just start praying, but the prayer is just requests to the Lord?  Such a prayer may well be needed, but are we allowing enough time to ask the Lord, What is on His Heart?

We are so rushed, so busy, that prayer is often sandwiched in.  It is good that we may stop and pray a brief prayer, but it is sad that time may not allow us to ask the Lord, what is on His Heart and actually listen to Him.

Perhaps we need to slow down as an old poem stated,

Slow me down Lord, I’m a going to fast,

I can’t see by brother when he’s going past.

I miss a lot of good things day by day.

Slow me down Lord, I’m a going to fast.

Think about that poem, and consider this prayer:  ‘Lord, help me to slow down, so I can hear what is on Your Heart.’  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0500 A Church that Prays Together, Stays Together

PM#0500

A Church that Prays Together, Stays Together

Matthew 18:20, and John 1:1-9

There is a principle called the ‘together principle’ that goes something like this:  The family that prays together stays together.  You may have heard it stated other ways, but also applies to a church.

This principle is so important, that in Matthew 18: 20, Christ stated: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”  

When we pray together, Christ is in our midst, and when His presence is in our midst we will have the light of Christ.   Christ is the true light.  See John 1:1-9. 

Praying together as a church is very important, and allows the presence of Christ to be with us. 

Let’s consider the following prayer:  Father, help us to keep praying together as a church so that the presence of Christ will guide and keep us together.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0499 I Need Help

PM#0499

I Need Help

Rom 7:21-21, James 1:5

Are we acting on our own knowledge or do we seek God’s knowledge and ways?  That question is important because there is a struggle between self and what God instructs us that rages in many of us.  (see Romans 7:21-23).

That struggle can be devastating, and take away peace, or even a sense of direction. 

Is there any thing we can do to stop that struggle?  There is one way, and that is to seek God’s knowledge which is found in the Bible, and then when we have found it, follow what it says.

James1:5 says “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.”  God wants to help us and we can have that help through prayer.

Consider this prayer.  Father I need your help.  Please lead me through your Word.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0498

Lord, what is on Your heart?

John 14:26

When we pray, have you ever thought of how you pray?   To many their answer might be, when I pray, I let the Lord know my needs. 

Now, though that may be a part of prayer, it is not taking time to listen to the Lord.  Prayer is both talking to God and listening to Him.  God wants us to listen to Him.  We hear God through His Word, and what the Holy Spirit brings to mind from His Word.  See John 14:26.  The concept of listening in prayer is part of the relationship we should have with Christ.  Could you imagine having a friendship with someone who never listened to you?

I encourage you to consider using the following prayer to help you start listening to the Lord as part of your prayer life.

Father, please help me to be still, and listen to what is on your heart for me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0497 Unclear, Not Sure?

PM#0497

Unclear, Not Sure?

James 1:5

Have you ever been unsure of something?  Perhaps your thoughts about something are not clear.  Do you really want to be clear about that “something”?  Something you are not sure about?

Probably at one time or another most us have been through that experience.  What would help us?  There are several things, and I will suggest a few, that can help bring clarity.  One is to ask God for Wisdom (see James 1:5).   Learning God’s wisdom comes from knowing what God’s word says, which comes from studying it.  Then we should focus on the grace of God and how in God’s word, we see how God helped us.  That help may show us how to respond to that “something” we have been unclear about.

Take time in prayer as you seek for wisdom.  Consider a prayer like this:  Father, there is an issue that I am unclear about.  I ask you to show me your wisdom through your word.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Memorial Day

PM#0496

Memorial Day

John 15:13

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have served and are serving in our military.  When we did not properly honor those who serve, deep hurt came upon them and our country.

Failing to honor, forgets that our freedoms come with a cost, one which we fought to preserve, and some gave their lives to protect. The Bible says in John 15:13 that ‘Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”  

Turning to God’s way, we should honor that love by finding ways to bless. 

Consider this prayer as you remember those who are serving and have served our country in the military:

Father, help me to continually find ways to show honor to those serving and who have served in the military, and bless my country, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessing Others

PM#0495

Blessing Others

If you had the opportunity to do something to help someone else and yourself, would you do it?  Most likely you would.  What action would help someone else and yourself?  It is simply the Biblical principle of blessing the other person. 

Not only is just blessing the other person helpful, but it also encourages a deeper spiritual walk and relationship with the Lord.   Blessing, especially Biblical Blessings found in God’s word, bring life in to our being and situations.    God’s word is light and life.   When we grumble, judge, fail to bless or encourage, we are actually hindering the work of God’s word in someone else, and that action or lack of action as it really may be, also effects us and hinders our relationship with the Lord.

Consider this prayer:  Father, help me to bless others with your words, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Encouraging Others

PM#0494

Matthew 18:19

How often when we are involved with others, do we fail to encourage God’s calling for that individual?

Here is a way that may help.   Christ said in Matthew 18:19, that where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst.  Coming together with others in prayer, invites Christ to be with us and help us. He can help our hearts to open to each other as we pray.  When hearts start to join together in prayer, relationships develop that are started by Christ, bringing connection with each other.

As we grow together, Christ can help us encourage one another, and to appreciate each other’s calling from the Lord.  Then we can encourage one another to move forward. 

Consider this thought and prayer.  ‘Father, help me to join with others in prayer, and may You help me to encourage others’.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0493 Blessing

PM#0493

Blessing

Romans 12: 14, Mark 10:16

Many of us when we pray, often pray just for requests like for a need.  However, have you ever considered taking time in prayer to bless someone?

Through out the Bible we find a many encouragements to bless.  A major encouragement to bless is found in Romans 12: 14 which says:  Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.  Jesus gave us the example in Mark 10:16 of blessing children.

Looking back on my own personal experience, the majority prayers that I saw were for ‘problems’ or ‘needs’.  They were needed addressing, but I rarely saw people blessing each other through prayer.  I have now learned that blessing not only benefits others, but the he who blesses will also be blessed.

Why not follow the example of Jesus and encourage others through blessing them. 

Consider this prayer:  ‘Father, help me to learn to bless others as I pray’ In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PM#0492 Benefits of Praying Together

PM#0492 

Benefits of Praying Together

Matthew 18:19-20

A number of people have been taught that prayer is a personal thing.  That is partly correct, but it misses the benefit of praying together. 

The Lord encouraged us to pray together in Matthew 18:19-20.  There are three benefits.  One, praying with others helps us through the involvement of prayer to encourage others.  Secondly, when we pray together we see the Lord working on our behalf.  Thirdly, the Lord promises to be present in our midst.  All of these help us to grow in our relationship with Jesus.  In time, those praying together will see evidence of that growth, which is a result of praying together, and shows God’s love and His word.

So why not take time to pray with someone today.  Consider this prayer:

Father, Lead me to someone whom I can pray with today.  Thank you, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Building Relationships

PM#0490

Building Relationships

Have you ever heard people say, I just don’t connect?   That statement can apply to a family or an organization.  When you hear it what does it tell you about what has happened?

To understand what has happened, we need to know items of relationship help people connect.  One might be recognition.  Another might be taking personal attention in an interest of yours.  Still even a third way might be remembering something important to you, and asking you about it later.

All of these show a desire to connect in a way that shows importance.  To connect with others involves showing others they are important.   That will help build good solid relationships with others.

Why not ask the Lord to help you build relationships with others. 

Father, I ask for your help in showing others that they are important.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.