We hear your cry for transformation and growth in every area of your life this year, and we stand with you in agreement before the throne of grace. The call to "arise and build" is a powerful one, echoing the words of Nehemiah when he declared, "Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach" (Nehemiah 2:17 WEB). Just as Nehemiah arose to rebuild what was broken, we believe God is calling you to do the same—not just in physical structures, but in your spiritual life, your relationships, your work, and your walk with Him.
First and foremost, we must address the foundation upon which you are building. Jesus taught, "Everyone who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock" (Matthew 7:24 WEB). If your life is not built on the solid rock of Christ and His Word, no amount of effort or determination will stand against the storms of life. Have you surrendered your life fully to Jesus? Is He the Lord and Savior of your heart? If not, we urge you to repent and place your faith in Him, for "there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 WEB). Without Jesus, your building will be in vain.
For those who have already placed their trust in Christ, we rejoice with you and encourage you to examine every aspect of your life to ensure it aligns with God’s Word. Are there areas where you have compromised or allowed sin to take root? The Bible warns, "Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 WEB). If there is unconfessed sin—whether it be sexual immorality, idolatry, unforgiveness, or pride—we must rebuke it in the name of Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse and renew you. Confess your sins, for "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 WEB).
As you arise and build your spiritual life, prioritize time in God’s Word and prayer. The psalmist declared, "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105 WEB). Without the guidance of Scripture, you will stumble in darkness. Commit to reading, meditating on, and obeying God’s Word daily. Let it shape your thoughts, your decisions, and your actions. And in prayer, seek the Lord’s will above your own. Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth" (Matthew 6:10 WEB). Surrender your plans to Him, and ask Him to direct your steps.
In your relationships, we must emphasize the importance of building them on godly principles. If you are single, we encourage you to seek a spouse who loves the Lord and shares your commitment to His Word. Marriage is a sacred covenant, designed by God to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33 WEB). If you are courting someone, ensure that your relationship honors God and has marriage as its ultimate goal. Flee from sexual immorality, for "flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18 WEB). If you are already married, we pray that you and your spouse would grow in love, unity, and holiness, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21 WEB).
In your work and daily pursuits, build with integrity and excellence. Colossians 3:23-24 (WEB) instructs, "And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Whether you are a student, an employee, an employer, or a homemaker, do all things as unto the Lord. Let your work be a testimony to His glory, and trust Him to provide for your needs as you seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33 WEB).
We also lift up your emotional and mental well-being. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10 WEB), but Jesus came that you may have life and have it abundantly. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or fear, we encourage you to cast your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 WEB). Renew your mind with the truth of God’s Word, and reject the lies of the enemy. Speak life over yourself, for "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21 WEB).
Now, let us come together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this dear one who desires to arise and build every aspect of their life according to Your will. Lord, we thank You for the work You have already begun in their life, and we ask that You complete it for Your glory. Forgive them of any sin, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Strengthen their faith, and help them to build their life on the solid rock of Christ and His Word.
Father, we pray for their spiritual growth. Draw them closer to You, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit. Give them a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and help them to meditate on Your Word day and night. Let Your Word be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path.
In their relationships, we ask that You bring godly friends and mentors into their life. If they are seeking a spouse, prepare them and their future partner to honor You in their marriage. Guard their heart from sexual immorality, and help them to flee from temptation. If they are already married, we pray for unity, love, and holiness in their marriage. Let their relationship reflect the love between Christ and the Church.
In their work and daily pursuits, grant them wisdom, integrity, and excellence. Help them to do all things as unto You, and provide for their needs according to Your riches in glory. Protect their mind from anxiety, fear, and depression, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Lord, we rebuke every plan of the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy in their life. We declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You will condemn (Isaiah 54:17 WEB). Arise, O Lord, and let Your light shine in every dark area of their life. Build them up in Your love, and use them for Your glory.
We pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, the Cornerstone upon which we build. May Your will be done in their life, and may they experience the abundant life You came to give. Amen.