Regardless of where we’re each at emotionally and mentally this December, we’d all do well to remember that God is the God of new beginnings. His specialty is making things new!
For many, the New Year brings a plethora of hopes and dreams. It offers the allure of a fresh start and provides eager anticipation for good things. More joy! More opportunities for success and goal-setting! But for others going through hard seasons, the ushering in of a new calendar page can spark fear or worry. Some might struggle with anxiety about current circumstances in their life and wonder if the coming year will make things better or worse. The unknown can be intimidating.
Regardless of where we’re each at emotionally and mentally this December, we’d all do well to remember that God is the God of new beginnings. His specialty is making things new!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
We can have hope for the coming year, no matter our circumstances, because of God and His promises.
Here are ten prayers for the New Year:
A Prayer for New Dreams
Dear Father, thank you for a new year and a new start. Inspire us with fresh goals. Your Word says where the people have no vision, they perish. Give us the dreams you’d have for us and give us the motivation to see them through. Help us to give you glory and honor in all we do this year and beyond. For those feeling discouraged or down going into the new year, inspire them with a burst of joy and hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for Marriages
Dear Lord, for every marriage that might be struggling this new year, I pray that the new year will be a fresh start. I pray for both spouses in the marriage to cling to you and to the truth of your Word as they walk into a new year. Help them to forgive and forget old hurts and wounds from this past year and not hold grudges. Let them cast aside bitterness and any temptations toward revenge and extend olive branches to each other, remembering that we all sin and are in need of Christ. Guide them with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer Over Children
Heavenly Father, I pray a blessing over all our children this new year. Give them fresh focus on their schoolwork and their goals. Whether they’re starting kindergarten, preparing to graduate, or starting a new job after college, let them do all things for your glory. Give our kids a heart for you and help them to put aside sinful ways. Lead them with your spirit and give all of us as parents the wisdom we need to navigate each new season of parenting. Where our children don’t know you, we pray for salvation for them in the new year, and for those who already do, we pray for them to have deeper faith as they grow in your image. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer Over Relationships
Dear Jesus, bless our relationships this year! It’s so much easier to argue and bicker with family members than it is to be honest and risk rejection. This year, help us pursue genuine communication and not resort to petty, passive-aggressive attempts at manipulation. I pray for families that are struggling to navigate difficult and strained relationships where they feel helpless. Give them hope. Help them to seek you before opening their mouth. Let them be quick to listen and slow to speak. Unite families and friendships this year with fresh strength and flood them with your peace. Restore them. Heal old wounds. I pray against anger and strife, and I pray for reconciliation and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer About Finances
Lord, for every family stressing over finances, I pray that the new year brings a breath of fresh air and release for them. I pray that they dedicate their funds to you and that they become good stewards of what you’ve given them. Help them to trust you for provision rather than be fearful of lack. I pray for an abundance for every family, that they might have an overflow this year in which to give to their church and ministries and to others needing assistance. Help all of us to make good financial decisions in 2023 and honor you with the money you’ve given. Inspire in us the desire to work hard and glean the fruit of our labor, all in the name of Jesus. I pray against greed and worry. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for Time Management
Dear God, a new year brings an opportunity for new goals, and with that comes the much-needed adjustment of our time. In order to accomplish the resolution or dreams you’ve placed on our heart to do this year, we need to be good stewards of our time. I pray that all of us seek to not skip out on meeting with you privately each day for prayer and the reading of your Word. Help us remember that when we make time for the most important things first (such as fellowshipping with you, Father) the rest of our day tends to run a lot more smoothly. Help us navigate the new year and the new responsibilities before us with grace. Equip us to have the time we need to get it all done and help us not to be afraid to say no to things that take our time away from what’s most important. Give us the courage to prioritize. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for the Heart
Heavenly Father, please guard our hearts this new year. Help us put away sin and the temptation to pull away from you, and instead, dive in deeper than ever into our spiritual journeys. Fill us with your life and breath. Be the rest our weary hearts need. So many of us get burned out from the holiday season, but help us to remember you are there, every step of the way, through every heartache and worry. We’re not alone. Protect our emotions, Father, from stress and the tendency to lash out at those we love. Keep our hearts tucked safely away with you in the secret places. Fill us with your peace and your joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for the Mind
Lord, I ask that you protect our minds this new year and keep us safe from stress and anxiety. When our thoughts race with all that needs to be done in the coming season, give us peace and calm. Help us remember to take breaks during the day to breathe, pray, and release all our worries to you. Give us the mind of Christ. Give us your peace that passes all understanding. Remind us to journey through each day with you and bring Scriptures to mind to help guide us as we go about our new year. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for the Spirit
Dear Jesus, our souls can often feel so dry, especially during the busy holiday season. Renew our spirit in you. Fill us with all the good things you bring. Help us remember to pause and ask for those blessings. Remind us we are not navigating life alone. I pray you fill us with the Fruits of the Spirit this year—with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help us not to strive for things you haven’t given us and help us not to pick up burdens that aren’t ours to carry. Let it be well with our soul in the upcoming year. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer Against Idols
Father God, I pray that in this new year, we will reject all idols. Identify in us those places where we tend to worship or depend on anything other than you. Convict us with your Spirit and give us the strength and grace to depend on you and trust you above all else. When we’re tempted toward the desire to control, or toward the idol of perfection, remind us that only Jesus was perfect. We don’t have to strive or make an idol of productivity and achievement. Remind us of our identity in you that so we can stand strong on your firm foundation, rather than on the shifting sands of our circumstances and our flimsy idols. Sustain us, Lord. Help us have a heart to worship you in the new year. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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