As we enter 2025, January’s reflections will focus on preparations for a future that is already and not yet that Christmas began, where Christ’s Kingdom is moving toward His return. This last week reminds us of something every disciple can do to speed Jesus’ Return:

IN WORD – Virtually every believer has had the sensation at times that his or her prayers are going no farther than the ceiling. There are times when we feel little connection with God and wonder if He’s listening. But when God pulled back the veil for John to see, the apostle got a glimpse of the “prayer processing center” for the universe. And what he saw is remarkable.
It should be profoundly encouraging that our prayers are handled in a place of exceeding power. It should also be encouraging that these prayers are considered incense worthy of golden bowls. The care and materials with which our requests are held confirm that we are known and loved. We are regarded highly enough in heaven to have our desires and petitions considered in such an important, holy place.
Our prayers made it past the ceiling after all. They made it all the way to golden bowls in the place of power in another realm. This is how Kingdom business is done. We don’t serve God blindly. He is not a dictator who issues orders without regard for the hearts of His people. He invites us to enter into partnership with Him, and He receives our requests with a strong desire to answer them. Like sweet-smelling incense, our petitions rise to His throne room where they are handled with great care by those with authority. The Kingdom advances not by force but by human desire mixed with the divine will.
IN DEED – Let that vision fuel your prayers today. There is no reason to be discouraged, regardless of what you see. Even if you’ve been offering the same petition for decades, it hasn’t fallen on deaf ears. It’s filling a golden bowl like incense, and the aroma pleases the heart of your Father the King. Don’t lose heart; keep praying; zealously deposit your desires in this epicenter of power. They move the hand of the Father, and His hand moves the world. “The world may doubt the power of prayer, but the saints know better.” – Gilbert Shaw (in “Heaven on Earth” by Chris Tiegreen)

Prayer is one of the most powerful acts Christian can do. As Hudson Taylor wrote, “When we work, we work. When we pray, God works.” This is why we are called to pray for our leaders, our communities, our neighbors, our families, and so on (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Through prayer, we invite God to act through our petitions. I’ll never forget a pastor teaching us about “ambulance prayers.” He shared that whenever we hear sirens, we should pray – for we may be the only person praying for the one in need of help.
Do you know how powerful your prayers are? Take time to reflect on Matthew 6:1-13, the Lord’s prayer this week. Meditate on each of the phrases and consider how God’s will can be made manifest “on earth as it is in heaven.” Then ask the Holy Spirit to give you a renewed confidence that your prayers are ushering in Kingdom work (see Romans 8:26-28) – and then pray for God to move powerfully in your life, your community, and the world! Have a blessed week – and Happy Lunar New Year! – in Singapore, Pastor Sam