As we step into 2025, I hope you’re feeling the fresh breeze of new beginnings. Whether you’re a New Year’s resolution enthusiast or someone who’s a bit skeptical about setting goals, there’s something we can all agree on: the need for rhythms that draw us closer to God. On Sunday, we talked about how it is possible to approach God in prayer with improper motivations, mindsets, and methods. We saw from God’s Word that the right motivation for prayer is one in which we pray to be heard by God, not seen by others. The correct mindset in prayer is one in which we pray intentionally to enjoy God, not mechanically to appease God. And the proper method for prayer is to pray God-centered prayers, not self-centered prayers. This year, let’s focus on two powerful spiritual disciplines—prayer and fasting—that can transform our lives and our church community. Here are some practical applications to help us do just that.

Pray Like a Child

Remember the simplicity and boldness of a child’s request? That’s how we’re invited to approach our heavenly Father. He’s not just a distant deity; he’s our Father in heaven, both willing and able to meet our needs. So, let’s pray with the boldness and simplicity of a child. Whether it’s a whispered prayer in the morning or a heartfelt cry in the middle of the night, God is listening. He delights in our dependence on him.

Start Your Day with Prayer

Here’s a challenge: Before you reach for your phone or hit the snooze button, start your day on your knees. It’s a simple act that declares, “God, I need you today.” Let’s be a church that begins each day with a posture of dependence, seeking God’s guidance and strength for whatever lies ahead.

Pray with God as Your Focus

Our prayers often start with our needs, but what if we began with God’s greatness? Try starting your prayers with “God, you are…” and let his attributes shape your conversation. This shift in focus not only honors God but also transforms our perspective, reminding us that he is our ultimate prize.

Fast with Purpose

Fasting isn’t just about giving up food; it’s about seeking God with intentionality. Biblically speaking, fasting refers to food—however, if for some medical reason this is not wise, you can fast from anything good but distracting and use that time to focus on our great and ultimate God. Whether it’s a single meal, a full day of meals, or even a break from social media, let’s fast with purpose. Use that time to pray, to seek God’s face, and to remind yourself that he is better than anything this world offers. Remember, fasting is not about what you’re giving up but about what you’re gaining—more of God.

A Year of Less of Me

As we embrace these rhythms, let’s adopt the mindset of “New Year, less of me.” It’s not about self-improvement but self-denial, making room for God to increase in our lives. Imagine the impact if we, as a church, committed to these disciplines. We’d see God move in powerful ways, not just in our personal lives but in our community and beyond.

So, Veritas, let’s be praying and fasting people this year. Let’s watch in awe as God does what only he can do. Here’s to a year of joyful dependence on our great God!