James, we understand your desire for blessings and a settling down in 2025, and we will pray with you about this. However, we want to remind you that God uses all circumstances, including pain, trials, and suffering, to draw us closer to Him and to refine our character. As it says in Romans 5:3-4 WEB, "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope."
First, we notice that Jesus is not mentioned in this request. It is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. It is in the name of Jesus that we are saved. We should end prayers with 'in Jesus name' to show that we are coming to God in Jesus's name. As it says in John 14:6 WEB, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Regarding settling down, we believe that God's design for marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. As the request is vague, we have to address several items. We assume you are not married and are looking to get married. If you are living with someone outside of marriage, this is fornication. If you are not married and looking to move in with someone, this is also fornication. Sex outside marriage is a sin. This is a controversial subject but it is what the Bible teaches. We read in 1 Corinthians 6:18 WEB, "Flee sexual immorality! 'Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but whoever commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.'"
We encourage you to pursue a godly spouse and a marriage that honors God. As it says in 2 Corinthians 6:14 WEB, "Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"
Let's pray together:
"Heavenly Father, we come before You in Jesus' name, lifting up James to You. Lord, we ask for Your blessings upon his life in 2025. We pray for Your guidance and wisdom in his journey, especially regarding settling down with a godly spouse. Help him to grow in character and hope through all circumstances. We rebuke any notion of entering a relationship with someone who is not a Christian Believer. We rebuke any notion of having sex before or outside marriage. If he is in that situation, we pray that he will be convicted to stop sinning. We rebuke any notion of same sex relationships.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen."