6 Prayers of Preparation for the New Year
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- Updated Dec 26, 2023
Positive thinking is a tough skill to build, and with good reason. We live in a fallen world, a place where unfavorable circumstances and relationships could be just around the corner. Oftentimes, we ourselves are unfavorable, committing sins that we know we ought to avoid. Whatever the situation, the fallen state of people and things gives us plenty to think about, and unfortunately, sometimes, we dwell on them. The more bad we experience, seemingly the easier it is to believe that what has been will always be. We fall into the trap of thinking that the past predicts the future and that previous experiences are a sign of everything to come.
But what if we could rewrite this line of thinking? We can. What if we decided to rewrite this line of thinking? We should.
We often see the new year as a chance to embark on a new adventure or goal. We see it as a fresh start to cultivate a better version of ourselves. Certainly, God calls us to be more like Christ.
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
If we ever hope to achieve positive change in our actions, we first have to start with positively changing our minds, or in other words, how we think. That includes how we perceive God, people, situations, and ourselves.
When Paul references renewing our minds, he is talking about the various ways we can set our hearts on God. That includes, among many things, prayer. Prayer is how we communicate with God, talking to Him about the good, the bad, and the ugly. Prayer is also one avenue to take as we set about trading our negative thoughts for something more positive.
Living in a fallen world gives us plenty of negativity, but with the right frame of mind, we can shift our focus from what’s bad to what is good. Next year doesn’t have to be like the last. The past, indeed, does not predict the future. Here are six prayers in preparation for the New Year.
1. A Prayer for New Opportunities
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for all of the opportunities that you brought me this year, from work to family to friends. I’ve been able to cultivate certain relationships and responsibilities already bestowed upon me. Thank you for the things that are continuing now and into the new year.
While I am grateful for what I have, Lord, my heart does long for more, for new opportunities. So, I pray to you now, asking for new things to enter my life. New chances to form relationships, find new work, new hobbies, and new ways to worship. There’s obvious comfort I can find in sticking to what I know, but doing the same thing doesn’t lead me to grow. I want my faith to develop day by day. Please guide me in doing just that.
Amen.
2. A Prayer for New Work
Lord,
I’m seeking a change in my job. Perhaps that comes in the form of a career switch or maybe just a change in roles. Whatever the case, I feel stuck, empty, bored. I desire something new, but I’m just not sure how to get there. I’m not sure where to submit my resume or how to get callbacks when I do. So, I come to you now for guidance and clarity.
Where would you have me apply? Where would you best use me? Am I even aware of all of my skills?
Though I may conjure up plans for myself, the plans that matter most are the ones you set for me. Please reveal them to me, Lord.
Amen.
3. A Prayer for Family Relations
Father,
Thank you for the familial relationships I have been able to build this year. I pray that the existing relations will grow stronger in the new year and that new relationships will form. I also pray for those that are fractured. Unsurprising to you, God, families are often very broken. Mine too. But I know that if you will it, what is broken can be fixed. A family divided can become united. I pray for such a blessing for my own relatives.
Thank you, God. Amen.
4. A Prayer for Community
Lord,
As the days go on, as I get older, finding a community just feels all the more difficult. I put myself out there and faced disappointment over and over again. If I’m being honest, I’m frustrated. When can I call it quits and just give up entirely?
Please help me. Show me the people that are my people. Help me find those that I can truly call friends. People who will ensure I walk with you all the days of my life, and when I step off course, they are quick to help me get back on track.
I definitely feel doubt right now, but I know that with you, all things are possible. Give me the strength to press on, Lord. Please.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
5. A Prayer for New Love
God,
Is there any point in dating anymore? Should I bother envisioning a future with a family? I can’t tell you how disappointed I’ve been. I can’t recall how many people let me down. Too many. How am I to hope for marriage in this culture, dealing with this dating scene?
Lord, I know you value marriage, but hoping for that in my life feels impossible sometimes. So, I invite you now to speak to me. Reinvigorate my heart. Help me to remember why I place my hopes in you.
Marriage is not promised to me, but you have promised to be with me until the end. Therefore, anything I struggle with, I can bring to you. I can find comfort. I can find peace and reason to hope again.
Thank you. Amen.
6. A Prayer for New Faith
Lord,
One year ends, and another begins. I want to say thank you for this gift called life. Thank you for those days spent as a baby and the days I spend on the Earth now. I don’t know how long I have, but I pray that you equip me with the faith to live every day for you. Every day. May my thoughts and desires reflect you. May my words and deeds reflect a love for Christ. I pray that this new year will bring a new me, one that is even more faithful than the last.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Photo Credit: PxHere
