PRAYING FOR 2025: LIVING IN THE LIGHT

LIVE IN THE LIGHT

As I sat at my desk today, thinking about 2025, something hit me: Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-12. It was like a little wake-up call from God—a reminder to pray intentionally as we step into the new year. It felt like the kind of message you need to hear when you’re figuring out where to go and how to make it all count.

Let’s be honest: the start of a new year can be exciting, but also kind of overwhelming. There’s the hype of resolutions, the pressure to “level up,” and a whole lot of unknowns. But what if, instead of diving headfirst into our goals, we took a moment to pray first? What if, instead of hustling for success, we sought God’s guidance?

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Colossians 1:9-12 (EMPHASIS HOLY SPIRIT)

Paul’s prayer provides a perfect framework for this. It’s an invitation to live in the light of God’s promises, to set our hearts on prayer, and to seek His guidance with intention. Through prayer, we can align ourselves with His will and walk with purpose into 2025, trusting that He’s got everything mapped out for us.

So, let’s dive into Colossians 1:9-12 together and discover how this passage can reshape our prayers, guide our actions, and prepare us for all that God has in store.

WHY PRAY FOR 2025?

Starting a new year is like standing on the edge of a vast, open field. You can see the potential, but you’re also aware of the unknowns. Some of us might feel energized and ready to tackle our goals, while others might approach the year with a little more caution, wondering what challenges might arise. But no matter where we’re at, there’s one thing that can set the tone for everything: PRAYER.

Prayer is more than just a spiritual checklist. It’s the way we bring our hopes, fears, and dreams before God, aligning ourselves with His heart and plans for our lives. For 2025, the call is clear: LIVE IN THE LIGHT! And the best way to do that is through prayer—with intention.

Paul’s prayer in Colossians is anything but vague—it’s specific, powerful, and transformational. It’s about inviting God to shape your year, guiding you in ways that honor Him and bless others. Through prayer, we find strength for the journey, grow closer to God, and gain clarity on the path ahead.

So why pray for 2025? Because prayer lays the foundation for everything. It gives us direction, hope, and the confidence to step into the year knowing we’re walking in His light—ready for whatever comes our way.

Lessons from Paul’s Prayer

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians is packed with wisdom. It’s like a blueprint for living a life aligned with God’s purpose. And as we reflect on it, we can discover truths that will shape our hearts and actions in 2025.

Let’s unpack it together.

• Complete Knowledge of God’s Will (v. 9)
  Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. This isn’t about knowing all the details or having all the answers—it’s about aligning our hearts with His purpose for our lives.
  • What this looks like in prayer: “Lord, show me Your will for my life this year. Help me to approach every decision with Your wisdom, trusting that You’re leading me every step of the way.”
• Living a Life That Honors God (v. 10)
  Living in the light means living in a way that honors God. It’s about walking in obedience, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing closer to Him each day.
  • What this looks like in action: Ask yourself, “Does this decision reflect God’s character? Am I investing in things that bring life to others?”
• Strength and Endurance for the Journey (v. 11)
  Let’s face it—life isn’t always easy. That’s why Paul prays for strength to endure with patience. We’re not meant to do this on our own; God’s power is there to sustain us.
  • What this looks like in prayer: “God, give me the strength and endurance I need for the road ahead. When I feel weak, remind me that Your power is enough.”
• Gratitude for God’s Promises (v. 12)
  Paul calls the Colossians to gratitude, reminding them that they are qualified to share in God’s inheritance. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant—His love, grace, and promises.
  • What this looks like in reflection: End your day with thanksgiving. Even on the toughest days, there’s always something to thank God for.

Paul’s prayer isn’t just a beautiful passage—it’s a guide for how to live a life rooted in God’s will, strength, and gratitude. As we carry these lessons into 2025, we can walk confidently in His light, knowing that He’s with us every step of the way.

As we enter 2025, let’s remember that Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-12 offers us more than just words—it gives us a path to follow. This year, we don’t have to rely on our own strength or plans. Instead, we can lean into God’s presence, walk in His light, and trust Him to lead us through every high and low.

When we pray for wisdom, endurance, strength, and gratitude, we open the door for God to shape our hearts and lives in ways that reflect His love and glory. This isn’t a one-time prayer—it’s a daily rhythm that invites God into every part of our year.

So, let’s embrace 2025 with faith, confidence, and the assurance that God is doing something new in us. Let’s pray boldly and live fully, knowing that His light will guide us through whatever comes.

Let’s Pray!