Growing Through Prayer - Fresh Hope for the New Year

Lord, as we step over the threshold into this new year, we pray for fresh hope. We place our faith in you, our God of new beginnings.

“In the beginning” you created all things.

In the moment your Spirit opened our hearts and minds to receive salvation, we became “new creations” as your children.

At the wedding altar you made us one, forming a new household and family.

When our sons and daughters were born, their first cries announced the miracle of new life.

Every step forward, each barrier and weakness we overcome, every hope fulfilled, and each battle won proves your promise to make us new:

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life,
to put off your old self,
which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
and to put on the new self, created to be like God
in true righteousness and holiness.
(Ephesians 4:22-24)

Throughout every new year, you continue your faithful work in our lives–perfecting us in love so we look more and more like Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Help us to face forward in hope instead of dwelling on past regrets and disappointments. We ask and believe you’ll fill our home with mercy and compassion. Let worry and frustration give way to faith in your power to take care of us all. Capture our kids’ hearts so they love you more than anything, committing their lives to follow wherever you lead. Make our marriage a beautiful picture of Jesus’ love as we give, serve, and cherish one another selflessly. We trust you will restore and rebuild whatever is weak or broken in our family.

Lord, we carry dreams and goals, troubles and hurts into this new year. Lift our eyes above these things so we look to you all the time. Reveal your will so we accomplish your plans and purposes for our days. Draw close as our helper and healer in every difficulty we face. Teach us your Word so we know what’s true, no matter what kind of lies the enemy and the world might whisper in our ears. No matter what we might gain or lose this year, we want more of you above anything else.

Thank you for the faithful compassion you give us with every new morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) You’re our hope for tomorrow and the source of all good things. Keep us close to you every day–let us praise your name and celebrate all you do for us in the days ahead.

We love you! Amen.