New Year Prayer

Tuesday, January 13 | 7:00 PM

Hello NEFC family,

The elder team is eager to invite our church into a time of corporate prayer as we begin 2026. As elders, we’ve been reflecting on several biblical truths that have shaped our own prayers, and we invite you to join us in responding to God together.

God Desires Childlike Faith

Jesus repeatedly teaches that life in God’s kingdom is marked by childlike faith. He says,

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2–4),

and

“Let the little children come to me… for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

He speaks even more strongly in Mark 10:14–15 and Luke 18:16–17:

“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

This posture of childlike dependence is also foundational to prayer itself, as Jesus teaches us to address God as “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9).

Together, these passages point to a simple but essential truth: God desires us to relate to him with childlike faith.

Childlike Faith Is More Basic Than a Good Plan

Childlike faith is more important to our walk with God than having a good plan or strategy. This does not mean that plans, goals, or wise leadership are wrong or unimportant—but it does mean they are insufficient on their own.

Scripture reminds us that our Father already knows what we need (Matthew 6:25–32), yet he still invites us into a prayerful relationship of dependence (Matthew 6:11). He has given us the Spirit of adoption, who cries out within us, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15). God even delights to reveal his truth to “little children” rather than the “wise” of this world (Matthew 11:25; 1 Corinthians 1:27).

While we strive to make God-honoring plans, Scripture is clear: “Whatever does not proceed from faith does not please God” (Romans 14:23). God is most pleased when we depend on him.

Prayer Is the Expression of Childlike Faith

So how do we grow in childlike faith?

The simple answer is: through prayer.

Jesus tells us, “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13). He even encourages a kind of bold, shameless persistence in prayer—a confident, childlike asking that trusts the goodness of our Father.

Expecting good gifts from a Father who sees us, knows us, and loves us is how we live out our dependence on him. This is the work of prayer.

Join Us in Prayer

With these truths in mind, the elder team is calling our church together for a time of prayer on Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00 PM.

Normally, this would simply be our first elder meeting of the year. But we are convinced that God is calling us into more—and that no amount of meetings, agendas, or oversight can replace the simple, dependent posture of prayer he desires from his children.

Whether you sit quietly or pray out loud, please come.
Please pray.
Please seek the Lord with us as we begin 2026 together.

— The NEFC Elders