2026 January Prayer Corps

As we move into another new year, complete with uncertainties and unknowns, many sincere followers of Jesus seek direction and a clear revelation of what 2026 will hold.

People will rise who claim and believe that they have prophetic revelation regarding this coming year. Some will truly have divine insight given from the throne of God. Others may simply be saying what they hope will be true, or releasing ‘words’ with ulterior motives.

In these days, it is more important than ever that believers cultivate a fresh sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and His discernment. There are lots of voices and contrasting opinions. But where we will find the very personal answers we each need is in the daily, quiet place of the Lord’s presence ~ as we worship Him, give Him our requests, wait for His voice, and partake of the fresh manna of His Word. Sensitizing our spirit to His voice will also bring clarity in the prophetic realm as well.

Regardless of the prophetic revelations, or however circumstances unfold this year, our right stance is already known and should align properly with the scriptures as revealed in 1Thessalonians 5:16-22:

•  Rejoice always!
•  Pray without ceasing!
•  In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you!
•  Do not quench the Spirit [of God]!
•  Test all things!
•  Hold fast what is good!
•  Abstain from every form of evil!

These very practical yet challenging exhortations give us much to meditate upon, pray over and, most importantly, put into daily practice.

Though many things will be declared about this coming year, there is one thing we know to still be vitally important. The writer of Hebrews by the Holy Spirit wrote it well:

…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Heb 12:1b-2a).

Clearly, there is much that can distract us from our “race of faith.” But we have the option to lift our eyes, that they might be riveted upon the One who has already run the race before us (Heb 4:14; 6:19-20).

Let us not shift our gaze to other runners, the cheering crowds (or booing devils), or the tantalizing offerings of this world. May we look only to Jesus, the One Who beckons us onward and upward for His purposes and Who also awaits us at the finish line!

And thank the Lord that we do not run our race alone! Not only does Jesus understand all that we face in this life, He then provides His abundant grace that we might endure. We also have the Holy Spirit to empower and encourage us (Rom 8:11). He leads us (Rom 8:14) and continually uses everything in life to transform us more into Christ’s image (Rom 8:28-30).

So may we run our race with endurance. This is more than just patience or passive acceptance. It is a steadfast pressing on based on a true and living hope, a hope that will not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Rom 5:5).

This steadfast endurance is a settled determination that is not fearful or frantic – but rather faith-filled, for it is focused on Jesus! He originated our faith, He is perfecting our faith, and He continually prepares us for joining Him one day in glory!

Communist persecution of specifically Christians is on the rise in these nations. Mandatory registrations of churches, forced “education” of pastors, strict control of church finances, loss of jobs and homes, surprise raids and arrests with cruel and lengthy prison sentences that often result in death – these oppressive methods and more are increasing in these countries.

There is a singular reason for this heightened persecution: substantial and confirmed reports that the Church is growing in these days! But our Lord and His Good News has never been, and will never be, halted by man’s selfish, cruel and oppressive methods. However, those experiencing such persecution need our prayers.

Please pray for:

• The Gospel witness to continue to go forth even if only whispered to neighbors next door. 
• More Gospel tools to be made available: tracts, Bibles, Gospel media in native languages, church leader training, and bold laborers who will go into these harvest fields.
• The Holy Spirit’s power and guidance, bringing confirming signs and wonders when the Gospel is preached.
• Provision – body, soul and spirit – for the believers, that they would be sustained and encouraged and their needs supernaturally met.
• Fellowship to continue even when churches are closed, and for strategies that allow believers to continue to meet for encouragement, comfort and strengthening one another in spite of the loss and grief.  
• Salvation for the oppressors, and many “Saul to Paul” type conversions in these nations!

As we pray over and plan the calendar for 2026, we would so appreciate you joining us in prayer for the Holy Spirit to have His way, to lead and guide us with surety, to open every ordained door, and provide abundantly for every need.

This is going to be a glorious year of fruit-filled harvest, of Kingdom purposes advancing around the world, and of Jesus receiving even more glory from our lives as we run the race of faith with our whole heart fixed upon Him. Amen? Amen!

In the race with you,
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish, World MAP Executive Directors