A New Normal

I’ve always been a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Even though many of mine lie in tatters by week three, something about the turning of the calendar still stirs optimism in me. There’s a sense of fresh possibility, a whisper that things could be different this year.

I think that resonates so deeply because the gospel gives us a hopeful narrative for our lives. Jesus forms in us a kind of holy optimism - not rooted in self‑belief or grit, but anchored in the hope and power of His resurrection. He is making all things new. We are being transformed from glory to glory. Even in the midst of suffering or disappointment, our story bends toward redemption because we never walk alone. In a culture that leans toward cynicism, we are invited to keep dreaming.

And here’s the good news: I’m not relying on my flimsy willpower to pull any of this off. None of us are. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit. At New Year’s, in a worship service, or in some completely ordinary moment, God keeps inviting us into a deeper “yes.” He is for us, not against us and in His presence, we find life. Slowly, steadily, our desires, habits, and rhythms begin to align with the easy yoke and the light burden Jesus promised.

Here at 24‑7 Prayer, we are passionate about helping people nurture a life of prayer. Prayer is where we encounter God himself and find His peace, His life, and supremely, God’s love for us. It is where hope grows. We’ve created resources to help individuals, churches, and communities pray - practical tools designed to support anyone hungry for more of God - because we believe prayer should be accessible, practical, and deeply transformative.

We’re also witnessing something beautiful in Aotearoa: God is restoring prayer to its central place in the church. Jesus envisioned His house as a “house of prayer for all nations,” and the early church lived that with devotion. We’re increasingly seeing that heartbeat rise here across our land.

Imagine the Church in Aotearoa New Zealand - all of us - becoming known as a people on our knees, in the very best way. Imagine …
A church united in faith at ‘Open Heaven’ gatherings.
A church covering every neighbourhood in prayer as we deliver Hope booklets and prayer walk our streets.
A church crying out day and night for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit as we prepare for Pentecost.
A church joining believers around the world during the Global Week of Prayer.

And imagine countless initiatives springing up all over the country - ordinary radicals finding creative, local, everyday ways to pray. That’s the vision: a new normal in Aotearoa, defined by deep devotion to Jesus and a vibrant culture of prayer. Prayer that will propel us into the presence of God and out into the world partnering with Him in mission and justice.

We’d love to partner with you in this. Whether you join a “Building a Culture of Prayer” seminar near you, hop onto a training Zoom, or coordinate the Pentecost Prayer Initiative in your area - your yes matters! (If that sounds like you, get in touch!)

As we step into another year, let’s keep dreaming and scheming together about what God wants to do in us and through us. May prayer deepen, may hope rise, and may the church in New Zealand shine with the presence of Jesus as we seek Him - wholeheartedly and together.