Embracing the Power of Prayer and God's Word
Contributed by: Nellie O'Hara
Wow! We are weeks away from the end of 2024. It seems like we blinked, and suddenly we're on the brink of a new year. This season always makes me somewhat introspective, pondering the highs, the lows, and all the moments in between. I had the chance to travel across Canada from coast to coast and perform prophetic acts that we felt was guided by God.
This year we held the "It's Time To Roar" conference to celebrate CSA's 50-year Jubilee and throughout the year we experienced many revelations, strategies, downloads from God; raising people up in the prophetic and leading prayer groups, plus overcoming many obstacles in prayer and walking in victory. We also had the opportunity to travel and teach in the Arctic, plus teaching in Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
One thing that truly resonates with me this year is how we can conclude 2024 positively and enter 2025 with confidence—through prayer, God's Word, and a hopeful spirit, encouraging each other to rise and build.
Let's conclude this year by carrying forward the redemptive aspects of 2024, with its intentional and meaningful elements, and beginning the new year with strength and spiritual grounding.
Reflect on 2024 with Gratitude and Honesty
First, I think it’s so important to look back on a year with gratitude. Maybe 2024 wasn’t perfect (when is it ever?), but take a few minutes to remember the moments that brought joy or growth. These could be big milestones, or they could be small but meaningful memories—those treasured times with God when you cried out to Him and He answered in a way that made you feel loved and seen.
Then, be honest about the tough stuff too. Sometimes, we brush over the harder parts because we’re ready to move on, but there’s something powerful about laying those struggles before God. Whether it was a challenging relationship, a lost opportunity, or even a season of feeling distant from God, take some time to let Him into those memories. Invite Him to heal, to renew, and to redeem those parts of the year that feel unfinished.
Set Aside Time for Prayer
As the year comes to a close, make an effort to find a bit more time for prayer. Simply place everything at His feet. If you're anything like me, life can often feel so hectic that it's difficult to pause and take a breath. Try to spend quiet time with God. If you can, tell yourself to pace yourself. It’s actually very powerful.
Ending the year in prayer feels like setting the stage for what’s to come.
Let’s keep it real—prayer doesn’t have to be complicated.
You don’t need fancy words or a long list. Just come as you are. Talk to God like you’d talk to your best friend. Ask Him to show you what He’s been doing in your life this year. Pray over the dreams you have for 2025, and ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength to follow His lead, and then praise Him.
Anchor Yourself in God’s Word for the New Year
One of my favourite things to do around this time is to pick a scripture or even a few verses to meditate on as I enter the new year. Think of it like setting a foundation for everything that’s coming.
Maybe you need a verse that reminds you of God’s peace, or one that strengthens your faith. Or maybe you’re in a season where you need to be reminded of God’s love for you. Whatever it is, take some time to find that verse (or verses!) that speak directly to where you’re at. Let that word be a reminder, a promise, and a guide for you in 2025. Place it somewhere you'll notice daily—on your mirror, in your journal, or as your phone background.
Pray with Expectation for 2025
The last thing I want to share is the power of praying with expectation. God is a God of new beginnings, and every year brings new opportunities to grow, learn, and walk with Him in fresh ways. As we step into 2025, let’s do it with a sense of hope and expectation—not because we think everything will be perfect, but because we know Who is walking with us.
Ask God to open doors you never thought possible, to deepen your relationships, and to help you see His hand in your life every day. Pray that He would make you more sensitive to His Spirit, more compassionate to those around you, and more steadfast in His promises.
Let’s Finish Strong Together
As we conclude 2024, let's do so with intention. Let's take time to reflect, pray, and rely on God's Word as we step into 2025. Whether this past year brought joy or challenges, let's have faith that God has been with us through it and that He is with us and has incredible plans for the coming year. We don’t know what 2025 holds, but we know Who holds us—and that is enough. Here's to concluding 2024 on a high note and beginning 2025 with a heart filled with prayer, hope, and a steadfast hold on God’s promises!
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