Prayer is such a powerful way to connect with God. It’s not just about asking for things; it’s about building a relationship and seeing how God shapes our hearts. During these 21 Days of Prayer, we’re choosing to give God the first part of our year, trusting that He’ll guide us in everything else. As James 4:8 reminds us, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” It’s such a beautiful promise—when we take time to draw closer to Him, we can expect Him to meet us right where we are.
One of my favorite times of the year is our season of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting at Church of the Highlands. Gathering at church at 6:00 a.m. to pray alongside thousands of others across Alabama and Georgia is truly a special experience. This movement has become a cornerstone of our church’s foundation, and it’s incredible to see so many other churches across America join in this prayer movement. At this pivotal moment in American history, this season reminds us of the importance of humbling ourselves and returning to being One Nation Under God. As it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This verse serves as a call to prayer and a reminder of God’s faithfulness when we seek Him.
Starting the day in prayer is something that I’ve found makes a huge difference. When I begin my morning by talking to God, it sets the tone for the entire day. There’s no better Monday Motivation than spending time in prayer and God’s word. It’s like resetting my compass, making sure I’m aligned with His will and ready to handle whatever comes. Jesus Himself modeled this. Mark 1:35 tells us, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” For me, those early prayers make the difference between a chaotic day and a purposeful one.
Fasting is another way we can focus our hearts on God. Maybe it’s skipping a meal, cutting back on social media, or giving up something that’s been taking too much of your attention. The idea isn’t just to say “no” to something; it’s to say “yes” to God in a bigger way. Jesus Himself said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Fasting helps us remember that our proper nourishment comes from His presence.
One of my intentions for 2025 is to reflect daily by journaling. I’ll be honest—I haven’t been consistent with keeping a journal in the past, but I’m excited to start fresh. Taking just a few minutes to write down what I’m grateful for, what I’m learning, and what I’m praying for will help me track the ways God is moving in my life. I believe it’s going to be a valuable habit to build and a great way to stay mindful of all the blessings and lessons God provides each day.
Lastly, it can really help to plan out a few specific times for prayer and reflection each day. Having a simple schedule—maybe mornings before the day starts or evenings after the kids are in bed—makes it easier to stay consistent. When we’re intentional with our time, we give God room to move in our lives in ways we never imagined.
If this blog encouraged you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might need a little inspiration, too. Don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll get updates delivered straight to your inbox. Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to hear what God does in your life during this season!
