A Year of Prayer: Foundations for 2025
As we stepped into 2025 at Myrtle House Community Church, Bill laid out the foundation for where God is leading us this year: a year saturated in prayer. This will be a year of drawing nearer to God, deepening our relationship with Him, and learning what it means to be a prayerful people—not just in structured settings but anytime, anywhere, all the time.
Our focus is on cultivating a heart of prayer, moving beyond routine to embrace prayer as a lifestyle. Why? Because prayer is transformative—it shapes our relationship with God, aligns us with His purposes, and reveals His heart to us.
Why Pray?
Bill reminded us that prayer is not just a practice but a lifeline, a two-way conversation with God that strengthens our faith, grows our understanding, and floods our lives with His light.
In Ephesians 1:15-23 (NLT), Paul shares a powerful example of prayer:
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”
Paul’s prayer reveals a deep understanding of who God is and who we are as His people. It’s a prayer of thanksgiving, wisdom, and power—a model for us to follow as we intercede for ourselves and others.
Similarly, in Romans 10:1 (NLT), Paul’s heart is filled with passion for others to know God:
“Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.”
Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s, igniting a passion for others to experience His love and salvation.
Prayer as Friendship
Prayer is more than asking—it’s about relationship. It’s a two-way street where we speak, but we also listen. Bill reminded us of the beauty of friendship with God, as seen in scripture:
Moses spoke with God as a friend (Exodus 11).
Abraham was called a friend of God (James 2:23).
Friendship with God involves three key elements:
Obedience: Walking in His ways and trusting His plans.
Justification by Faith: Understanding our position before God, as described in Romans 10:10, Romans 5:1, and Galatians 3:24.
Communication: Both speaking and listening.
God reveals His plans when we listen, often through His Word. Spending time in scripture and praying through it opens our hearts to His voice.
Learning to Pray
The Psalms offer us a gateway into prayer. They teach us how to express our hearts honestly and bring our deepest thoughts and emotions before God.
Psalm 1 sets the tone, reminding us that meditating on God’s Word is the foundation of a fruitful life.
“The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.” (Psalm 25:14 NLT)
Prayer also reveals who we truly are. In conversation with God, we discover our identity, purpose, and place in His story.
Moving Forward in 2025
This year, let’s press deeper into prayer. Let’s make it personal, real, and continuous:
Talk to God like a friend: Share your heart with Him and listen for His response.
Pray through scripture: Let His Word guide your prayers and deepen your understanding.
Commit to a lifestyle of prayer: Beyond scheduled times, learn to pray in every moment.
As we journey together, may this be a year where we see transformation in our lives, our church, and our community through the power of prayer.
What are your experiences with prayer? How has God spoken to you or revealed Himself in your times of prayer? Let’s share and encourage one another as we begin this prayerful year.
