Prayer Letter for December
(by Lilian Schmid)
How Nations Saw God’s Blessing in 2025
In 2025, many nations expressed their sense of being blessed by God through prayer movements, national anthems, and renewed emphasis on spiritual foundations. Across the world, people highlighted divine guidance, unity, and revival as ways God’s blessing was seen in their countries.
National Anthems Affirming God
At least 65 nations have national anthems that explicitly reference God, prayer, or divine protection. This was highlighted at a global prayer gathering in Washington, D.C., reminding people of Psalm 33:12; “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
Global Prayer Movements
- Global Prayer Gatherings 2025, organised by Simply Mobilising, united believers across continents in multilingual intercession for the fulfilment of the Great Commission.
- The World Prayer Centre launched its first global prayer watch of the year with themes like spiritual awakening in Europe, support for the underground church in the Middle East, and responding to global disasters with hope and light (Isaiah 60:1–2).
- IPC Prayer hosted regional summits in Southeast Asia and Africa, including the Africa 24-7 Prayer Summit in Cape Town, focused on establishing continuous Houses of Prayer.
Declaration Prayers and Personal Renewal
- A surge of declaration prayers marked the start of 2025, with believers proclaiming biblical promises over areas like healing, provision, relationships, and national destiny.
- These prayers were often used in personal devotion, fasting, and midnight intercession, reflecting a grassroots hunger for spiritual alignment and divine favour.
Spiritual Foundations Re-emphasised
- Across these movements, there was a clear renewal of spiritual foundations—nations and communities revisiting their historical covenants, scriptural anchors, and prophetic destinies.
- This trend aligns with the work of Prayer Strategy for the Spheres in crafting resources that bridge historical wounds and spiritual healing (e.g. the Women Convict series in our Training).
“I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”
When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching. (Matthew 22:32-40)
Sport and Recreation Prayer Strategy
A prayer strategy for Sport and Recreation focuses on fostering integrity, community, and well-being through physical activity and leisure. It invites God’s presence into every aspect of athletic and recreational life. Below are some examples of prayer actions you can do.
A Prayer Strategy for this Sphere
- Identity and Purpose – Pray that athletes, coaches, and participants find their identity in Christ, not performance. Ask for clarity of purpose in using sport and recreation to glorify God.
- Integrity and Character – Intercede for honesty, humility, and sportsmanship to be evident in all competitions and recreational activities.
- Health and Wholeness – Pray for physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all involved. Ask for protection from injury and burnout.
- Community – Lift up efforts to play sports and recreation accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, or background. Pray for unity and connection through shared activity.
- Leadership and Influence – Pray for coaches, officials, and administrators to lead with wisdom and servant hearts. Ask that their influence be used to build up others.
- Rest and Renewal – Recognise recreation as a gift for rest. Pray that people find joy, peace, and restoration through leisure.
Practical Prayer Actions
- Blessing of Events – Before games or tournaments, pray for safety, respect, and fair play.
- Prayer Walks at Venues – Walk around stadiums, gyms, or parks, praying over the space and those who will gather there.
- Athlete Devotionals – Share short prayers or Scripture reflections with athletes.
Sample Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of movement, competition, and play.
May sport and recreation be a place where Your joy is evident,
Your peace reigns, and Your love is shared.
Raise up leaders who reflect Your character,
and let every game, every run, every moment of rest be an offering to You.
Amen.
Merry Christmas!
The biblical message of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s gift of salvation to humanity, fulfilling prophecy and bringing hope, peace, and joy to the world.
What is the Bible-based meaning of Christmas?
Core Message of Christmas in Scripture
- God’s Love Revealed Through Jesus – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16) Christmas marks the moment when God sent His Son into the world as an act of divine love and redemption.
- Fulfilment of Prophecy – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23, echoing Isaiah 7:14) Jesus’ birth fulfilled centuries-old prophecies, confirming God’s faithfulness and plan for salvation.
- Peace and Goodwill to All – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14) The angelic announcement to the shepherds declared peace and joy for all people, regardless of status or background.
- Hope for the World – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) This verse captures the hope and divine nature of Christ, whose birth changed history.
Spiritual Themes of Christmas
- Incarnation – God becoming human in the person of Jesus (John 1:14).
- Joy – The joy of salvation and divine presence (Luke 2:10).
- Humility – Christ born in a manger, showing God’s approachability (Luke 2:7).
- Light in Darkness – Jesus as the light of the world (John 8:12).
Suggested Christmas Bible Reading
- Luke 2:1-20 – The Nativity story.
- Matthew 1:18-25 – Joseph’s encounter with the angel.
- John 1:1-14 – The Word becoming flesh.
- Isaiah 9:2-7 – Prophecy of the Messiah.
References
65 Nations Whose National Anthems Affirm God’s Role In Their Countries | Well Versed
Global Prayer Gatherings 2025: Uniting the Church in Mission Through Prayer – Simply Mobilizing
Global prayer points at the start of 2025 – World Prayer Centre
IPC Connections – October 2025 newsletter (PDF)
45 Powerful Declaration Prayers for 2025 (With Bible Verses) – Light And Gospel
God bless,
Lilian Schmid