In a time of special prayer for our partners. . .God allowed us to see the intense spiritual battle faced by many His children.

Like others. . .you may have prayed for change. . .about birthing a new habit. . .turning lack into more than enough. . .and accomplishing your goals for 2026.

Suddenly. . .God directed my attention to Daniel 10:12-13 where He drew a direct parallel to what happened to Daniel and what may have happened to you.

“Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of [and in response to] your words.”

Let's talk about the seven keys to getting your prayers answered,  underlined in these two verses.

1.      Fear Not

In the King James Version of the Bible we’re told nine times that we should be “born again.”  So I think it’s fair to say that being born again is significant and obviously important to God.  After all, He paid the ultimate price by sending His only begotten Son that we should not perish but have everlasting and abundant life. . .by being born again.

Would it surprise you to know that in the King James Version of the Bible were told SIXTY-THREE times to “fear not?”

Let’s look at some of those verses.

1. Prioritize and decide how much you can (and should) actually spend on your shopping list for each person. 

Don't start 2026 with bills you can't pay when they come due at the end of the month.

If you've already spent too much...it's not too late to take it back or exchange it.  If you don't...you might wish you did...when January bills start rolling up.

2. Create an environment where Christmas presents are opened one at a time...savoring each moment.  You spent money to create memories...take time to enjoy them.

3. Write an email or note of appreciation to those who have been kind to you during the year or spoken meaningfully into your life.

4. Find a way to serve and help others. Take a gift of baked goodies to those who’ve lost loved ones in the past year or to those less fortunate.

Albert Schweitzer  said:  "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found a way to serve."

5. Put some humor in your holidays. Laugh a lot!  Have the children put on a Christmas play.  Play family games.  Rent or stream a funny movie!  

6. Create family memories….take photos….record your parents and/or grandparents telling stories about their favorite Christmases or memories with their children.

7. Live a "Christmas life," not just Christmas day.  Make Christmas every day…after all….it should be…Jesus is the reason for the season.

Remember to keep His presence in your presents.