(Unless indicated, all Scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Father God, Creator of the universe and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
As we enter the new year, I pray that Your Spirit will be with as many of us, Your people, as possible, for we do not know what the year will bring. Each year contains ups and downs, tragedies, trials, tribulations, disappointments, and heartaches. We do not know what kind of crises lie ahead of our personal and family life this year such as job loss, death, terminal illness, accident, or victimization of a crime or violence. Some people have already entered this year with those personal and family issues. We are also unaware of what more environmental crises we may encounter during the year such as natural or manmade disasters or terrorism. Or with public health crises such as outbreaks of community epidemics or global pandemics. We are already facing inflation in our economy which makes some of us anxious about heading toward another economic crisis such as a recession or a depression. Despite these issues, we know You crown the year with Your good blessings (Psalm. 65:11, New English Version). And You have good plans to give us a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11, The Living Bible). Therefore, we know that all things You work for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28).
You watch over those who rely on Your unfailing love (Psalm 33:18, New Living Translation). Since unfailing love is with You, Your people are called to hope in You (Psalm 130:7, New Living Translation). We know how dearly You love us because You have given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with Your love. Hence, this hope will not lead to disappointment (Romans 5:5, New Living Translation). May You continue to sustain us with Your love! Along with Your unfailing love, Heavenly Father, we need Your peace of mind given to us by Jesus Christ to be with us throughout the year.
Jesus gave us peace that the world cannot provide, so we should not let our hearts be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). He will keep us in perfect peace if our minds stay on and trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). Since we confidently trust Him to care for us, we do not fear bad news (Psalm 112:7, New Living Translation). Therefore, we should be anxious for nothing. But in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let our request be made known to You. And Your peace surpasses all understanding and will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Since we have hope and trust in Your unfailing love and the gift of peace of mind in Jesus Christ, we will heed His advice: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its things. Sufficient for the day is its trouble (Matthew 6:34).” Each day has its problems, and we should not fret about the issues that might come in the days of the year ahead. Instead, we should live each day at a time, rejoicing and being glad (Psalm 118:24), and trust in You to take care of the issues we might face in the upcoming days ahead. Since we know You care about us, we give all our worries and cares to You in Jesus’ name (1 Peter 5:7, New Living Translation). May Your gift of peace in Jesus Christ remain with us daily in the year! May You keep us in Your care!
We will not boast about tomorrow, for we do not know what a day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1). Instead, we will put our trust in You to carry us through each day of the year. We believe You will cap the year with Your love and peace for us, and we know You will give us a blessed future of hope and goodness in store for us. May we all have a better year than what we had last year! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!—Kenneth Sullivan
PRAYER FOR A NEW YEAR: PART 2
(Unless indicated, all Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version of the Holy Bible).
Father God,
On the brighter side, besides misfortunes, each year brings blessed, special milestones in people’s lives. Besides weddings and celebrating anniversaries, milestones in people’s lives include: new incidents—new births in families, new relationships, new job or career paths and opportunities, and buying a new home; first-time events—a first job, first serious relationship, first kiss, babies’ first steps, first birthday, and first words, and preschoolers’ first time going to school; celebration of special events—teenagers planning their “Sweet Sixteenth” birthday and young people reaching the age of maturity (18 or 21); academic achievements—honors or awards through high school or college graduation, and career advancements—job promotions and starting one’s own business. With these milestones, You say that You will bless us with a future filled with hope—a future of success (Jeremiah 29:11, Contemporary English Version). May Your blessings of grace and glory be upon all our milestones this year!
Through all the misfortunes and milestones of life, we know that death is inevitable, a daily reality for all. Therefore, You will allow some of us to depart from Earth and bring us home to You in Heaven this year. You hold the threads of life and death. Yet, Your purpose is for us to have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). Neither death nor life, neither the present nor future, can separate us from Your love in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:38-39). Your love is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear You (Psalm 103:17). And You promise You will always be with us, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20, New Living Translation). May You preserve and give as many of us a long, prosperous life through the year!
Thank You, God, for the gift of peace of mind through Jesus Christ. As the Lord of peace, may You be with all of us and give us peace at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16)!
Thank You for all the milestones and the future of hope and success You bestow in our lives. You are good, and Your love endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34 and 41, 2 Chronicles 5:13, 7:3 and 20:21, Ezra 3:11, Psalm 100:5, 106:1, 107:1, 118:1, and 29, and 136:1-26, and Jeremiah 33:11). Since we have faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, we believe goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6). May Your good and loving spirit continually guide our lives through the year!
Most of all, we thank You for giving us life. As it is written, “In You, we live, move, and exist (Acts 17:28, New Living Translation).” In Jesus’ name. Amen—Kenneth Sullivan.