Opening: Beyond Resolutions
Happy New Years, Azusa Street Riders! As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I want to talk to you about something far more powerful than New Year’s resolutions. While the world makes promises they’ll likely break by February, God extends an eternal invitation that can transform our lives forever. Turn with me to 2 Chronicles 7:14, where the Lord declares: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This isn’t about self-improvement, brothers and sisters – this is about spiritual transformation through deepening our prayer life.
Humble Ourselves
The first step in seeking God’s face is humility. Notice God says “my people” must humble themselves. That’s us! We can’t approach the throne of grace with pride in our hearts. True prayer begins when we acknowledge our desperate need for God. Too often we come to prayer like we’re placing an order at a drive-through, expecting quick service. But humility means recognizing that we’re dust, and He is the Almighty. When we humble ourselves, we’re saying, “Lord, I can’t do this life without You.” That’s where real prayer begins – not in our strength, but in our weakness made perfect through His power.
Pray with Intention
After humility comes prayer – but not just any prayer. This is intentional, focused communication with our heavenly Father. How many of us have fallen into routine prayers? “God bless this food, God bless my family, amen.” That’s not seeking His face – that’s checking a religious box. Intentional prayer means setting aside distractions, finding a quiet place, and entering His presence with purpose. It means praying with our hearts, not just our heads. When we pray with intention, we’re not just talking to God – we’re positioning ourselves to hear from Him.
Seek His Face, Not Just His Hand
Here’s the heart of deepening our prayer life: seeking God’s face, not just His hand. What’s the difference? When we seek His hand, we want what He can give us – healing, provision, breakthrough. But when we seek His face, we want Him for who He is. David understood this when he wrote, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Too many believers treat God like a cosmic vending machine. But God wants relationship, not just requests. This new year, let’s fall in love with the Giver, not just His gifts. When we seek His face, everything else falls into proper perspective.
Turn from Wicked Ways
The fourth requirement is repentance – turning from our wicked ways. This isn’t just about big sins; it’s about anything that creates distance between us and God. Maybe it’s unforgiveness, pride, or neglecting His Word. Repentance clears the pathway for powerful prayer. You can’t seek God’s face while holding onto things that grieve His heart. As we enter this new year, let’s do some spiritual housecleaning. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that’s hindering your prayer life, then turn from it completely.
Practical Steps Forward
So how do we practically deepen our prayer life this year? First, establish a consistent time and place for prayer. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. Second, use Scripture in your prayers – let God’s Word guide your conversations with Him. Third, keep a prayer journal to track how God answers and moves. Fourth, fast occasionally to intensify your seeking. And fifth, pray with other believers – there’s power in corporate prayer that we experience right here at Azusa Street Riders.
New Year Prayer Challenge
I’m issuing a 30-day challenge to our motorcycle ministry family. For the next thirty days, commit to seeking God’s face for at least fifteen minutes each day. Not seeking His hand for your needs, but seeking His face for who He is. Worship Him, thank Him, listen to Him. Watch how this transforms not just your prayer life, but your entire relationship with the Lord. Who’s willing to take this challenge? Let’s see those hands!
Seeking Together
Let’s close by practicing what we’ve preached. I want us to seek His face together right now. Father, we humble ourselves before You this morning. We confess that too often we’ve sought Your hand instead of Your face. This new year, we want to know You more intimately. Draw us into deeper prayer, Lord. Help us to seek You not for what You can do, but for who You are. Transform our hearts, renew our minds, and let this be the year we truly learn to seek Your face. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen. Now go forth and seek His face, Azusa Street Riders!
