As we talk about GROW for this year 2026, we must first look at the G … Getting out of the ruts. So, we ask ourselves, how is the best way to get out of the ruts we have gotten ourselves into?

I don’t know about you, but I like taking the fastest route to get somewhere. YES, I love taking my time, at times, when we are driving somewhere. I like to look at the houses or look at the mountains and the trees, or I like to look at the skyline … however, when I need to get somewhere, let’s take the most direct route. And the most direct route to get out of our ruts … change our prayer life.

So, let’s talk about ruts for a moment, so we can realize what we need to get out of. The ruts of life, doing the same thing over and over and over again. Sometimes it’s doing the same things over and over again, thinking we are going to get a different result. That is the pure definition of insanity. Let’s name some ruts of life, shall we … routine of work, home, school, life … continuing to look for the meaning of life in a bottle … continuing to look to fill a void in our life with additions and habits … some that you wouldn’t think of would be the rut of thinking you are not good enough … the list could go on and on, but you get the point.

This morning, I want you to come to the realization that getting out of those ruts is going to start with changing our prayer life, or starting a prayer life, whichever it maybe for each one of us.

The best way to change our prayer life is to personalize our prayer life. When we personalize our prayer life, we claim our rightful position in Christ.  So, let’s start with the first part of the most famous prayer, the disciple’s prayer OR the Lord’s prayer ...

When we start off by saying “Our Father”, we automatically indicate that we have a special relationship with God. We don’t approach Him with fear, but, because we have the spirit of adoption, knowing that we are His children, we can come boldly into His throne room in our time of need.

Paul also talks more about our position or relationship with God ...

I believe that many think of God when they need a healing in body (broken bones, high blood pressure, cancer, etc.) OR when something is happening in a family member or friends life (car wreck, sickness, death of loved one, etc.), but we must realize that while those things are important, and I am glad that people call or text me often for these needs, we must also realize that God is able to do exceedingly more than this for our lives. While God can do a healing, touch during difficult times in life and more, we must realize that God sent His Son to deliver us from the chains of bondage of sin and the results and effects of that sin.

To see more about this, we must look at the first miracle of the disciples after Pentecost. Just we know that Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit, and we ALL know that I am a HUGE fan of Pentecost, but let’s look deeper than this. Let’s look at the first miracle AFTER Pentecost ...

Sure God wants to do those INDIVIDUAL things in your life like heal from sickness or diseases, HOWEVER, God wants our relationship to be so close that He can touch your life in a deeper and more meaningful way. It is not just a little dab will do you kind of relationship, it needs to be a LIFE CHANGING type of relationship.

This is what happens when we personalize our prayer life … it is LIFE CHANGING!!! Want out of the ruts, change and personalize your prayer life!!