For over 70 years, Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles has hosted its Annual New Year’s Day Prayer Bowl, a worship service that has become a beloved tradition in Los Angeles and across the nation.
This year’s event, under the leadership of the church’s nationally renowned pastor, Rev. Johnteris Tate, was a powerful blend of preaching, praying, and praising, marking a seamless merging of generations and styles.
Pastor Tate, at just 31 years old, exemplified visionary leadership by inviting Mt. Moriah’s esteemed, Pastor Emeritus Dr. Melvin V. Wade, 80 years old, to share a message rooted in decades of wisdom, entitled “The Gospel According To The Ant” based on Proverbs 6:6-8.
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He also brought in contemporary preachers like Dr. Phillip Pointer of Saint Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Dr. John Adolph of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas. Their combined voices delivered messages of faith, renewal, and unity, inspiring all in attendance to begin 2025 with a firm spiritual foundation.
The service also featured performances from gospel artists Antwaun Cooks, Unified Group, and Zacardi Cortez, whose contemporary sounds complemented the timeless traditions of the Prayer Bowl. Their heartfelt worship brought energy and spirit to the sanctuary, drawing attendees into a deep sense of devotion and worship.
Pastor Tate reflected on the significance of the day, saying, “This service represents the power of generations coming together to honor God. It’s a reminder of how prayer and worship unite us, no matter the era.” Congregants left the service uplifted, proud to be part of a legacy that has stood the test of time and continues to evolve under inspired leadership.
