The McAllen-based channel pairs short guided prayers with simple Bible teaching for anyone who wants a real relationship with God, not just a routine.

McALLEN, Texas, October 24, 2026 - Closer to the Father, a Christian YouTube channel started by Michael Wilson of McAllen, Texas, is growing past guided prayer. It now has a short Bible teaching series that looks at the first time key words show up in Scripture. The channel is free to watch at youtube.com/@ClosertotheFather.

The channel launched in October 2026. It has one goal. It helps people build a relationship with God the Father. Many people believe in God but feel far from Him. Some have never prayed. Some pray, but it feels like a chore. The channel speaks to both.

The new series is called "First Mention." Each video goes back to the first place a word appears in the Bible and asks what it shows about God. Recent videos include "The First Mention of Love in the Bible Will Change How You See God," "The First Mention of Grace in the Bible Will Surprise You," and "The First Mention of Prayer in the Bible Isn't What You Think." Another, "The First Words Jesus Ever Spoke Will Change How You See Him," looks at Jesus' first recorded words.

The guided prayers are still the heart of the channel. Viewers can pray along with "Morning Prayer to Start Your Day With God (7 Minutes)" or "Night Prayer for Sleep and Peace (5 Minute Bedtime Prayer)." For people who have never prayed, there's "How to Pray If You Have Never Prayed Before | Prayer for Beginners." For those who feel stuck, there's "How to Pray and Actually Feel Close to God (Stop Praying Like a Chore)."

Another teaching video, "God Loved You Before You Ever Repented (Romans 5:8 Explained)," sums up the message of the whole channel. God's love comes first. People don't have to earn their way back to Him.

The channel has a companion website at closertothefather.com. There, visitors can post a prayer request, pray for others on the prayer wall, and share answered prayers. The site also offers a free seven-day prayer guide.

To watch, like, and subscribe, visit youtube.com/@ClosertotheFather. To post a prayer request or get the free guide, visit closertothefather.com.

About Closer to the Father
Closer to the Father is a Christian YouTube channel and online prayer community founded by Michael Wilson of McAllen, Texas. It offers short guided prayers and simple Bible teaching for adults who want to draw near to God in real life. The channel and its website exist to help people know Jesus and grow closer to God the Father.

Media Contact
Michael Wilson
Closer to the Father
[email protected]
https://www.closertothefather.com
https://www.youtube.com/@ClosertotheFather

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