Why do we pray the way we pray? And isn’t it irrelevant what posture we take when we pray? Whether we pray standing, sitting, or lying down, or have our hands folded or our arms wide open—does it really matter? Well, this much is clear, sometimes a gesture or a posture is worth a thousand words.

Prayer works around the globe. New Apostolic congregations all over the world are thinking about and working with the 2024 motto. The results can be seen and heard everywhere: in children’s services, ecumenical meetings, or meetings for ministers.

Sometimes there are days that just don’t go all that well: fights with friends, a bad mark, or no lunch money. And then we are still supposed to praise God? Here is a contribution on our annual motto “Prayer works” originally written for parents and children, but we can all benefit from it.

In order to be successful, a prayer should meet certain requirements. District Apostle Michael Ehrich (Southern Germany) uses some Bible quotations to show how prayers can come to find hearing before God.

The hand of God is powerful: it creates, it protects, and it provides. Those who so desire can remain in and at the hand of God, no matter what. It was in last New Year’s Eve service that the Chief Apostle explained exactly how this works, and what one must do in order for this to happen.

Tune in for a spiritual impulse … Brothers and sisters in the southern part of Germany can do this on two radio stations. On World Radio Day 2024, one of the programme editors gives us a tour of her day-to-day work.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is not the only place where prayer is by far the best WiFi connection. In his spotlight article on our annual motto, District Apostle Michael Deppner of the DRC explains how we can establish this connection.

Prayer has always been an important part of our life, but this year it became just a little bit more so thanks to our motto. Brothers and sisters from Ghana, Germany, and the Netherlands used this year’s annual motto “Prayer works!” as an opportunity to put on a short play and to gather with other denominations and pray outside our church walls.

Why doesn’t everyone experience the tremendous power of prayer in the same way? District Apostle Jürg Zbinden from Switzerland asks this question in his article for our Spotlight series—the third one on our 2024 motto. His answer has to do with expectations.

‌“Prayer works!” Our 2024 motto has inspired some creative minds. ‌Here is a look at how the various District Apostle Areas have visualised the motto and the various ideas behind the designs.

District Apostle Tshitshi Tshisekedi of the DR Congo South-East crosses mountains to find the right place to pray. In the second Spotlight for this year, he writes about what the image of the mountain means for prayer and which place Jesus recommends.

In choosing the motto for the year, Chief Apostle Schneider underlined the importance of personal prayer. In his first sermon of the new year, he addressed the different elements of prayer.

Resourceful ministers have long since discovered that the heading of the first Sunday service in the January edition of the Divine Service Guide is the motto of the year. “Prayer works!” is how the new year begins. ‌And it continues on the following Sunday with the theme series: “Experiencing the nearness of Christ”.

Prayer connects us to God—even in a dark belly. Using the story of the prophet Jonah, who is swallowed by a large fish, District Apostle John Schnabel (USA) shows what makes a good prayer.

It has been a year of serving and reigning with Christ. There were highs and lows. As the year winds down to its close, we invite you to take a look back with us at the key points of the District Apostles’ Spotlight articles.

There is the story of a boy who already as a twelve-year-old led by example. It was important to Jesus to understand His Father’s will. District Apostle Peter Schulte from Australia was intrigued by the two last words of our 2023 motto, “with Christ”. He examines them more closely just as the year winds down to a close.

“Prayer works!” This is our motto for 2024. In his New Year’s message, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider explains the ideas behind it. Here is a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the recording session.

This week we look at a number of events where brothers and sisters came together to praise God through song and music.