A new year has started, and many of us are jumping in full steam ahead. We set resolutions and goals, lay out plans, and make progress toward them. What are your spiritual goals for this year? Are you looking to spend more time in prayer? Here are some ways to make time in prayer a priority.
Reflection on the Past Year: A Moment of Gratitude
Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, let’s reflect on the past year and think about what we’re grateful for. A new job? Having a baby? Getting engaged or married? Maybe you’re thankful to have made it through last year. Thank the Lord again for all He did for you last year, and tell Him you will continue to trust Him throughout this year.
Setting Intentions: What Are You Praying for 2026?
Let’s make our prayers intentional this year. Take some time to think about what you want to pray for or about this year. Are there any issues or situations from last year that still require continued prayer? Has something arisen this year that requires your prayer attention? Is there something coming up that you need to do or decide about? Maybe you have an exciting event coming up that needs prayer.
Write these things down, and then write out specific prayers for each thing. We are called to come boldly before the Lord and make our requests. (After giving him thanks.) If you have a hard time writing out specific prayers, check out the book Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. It will help you craft strategic, particular prayers.
Here is an example.
Dear Lord,
Please help my daughter, Rachel, with her math test today. I know she is so nervous because numbers aren’t her thing. I pray you will calm her nerves and clear her mind. Help her remember how to solve problems correctly and give her the confidence to do so. In your name I pray. Amen.
Embracing New Beginnings: The Power of Fresh Starts
With the new year comes a fresh start. If you’re looking to either jump-start your prayer life or get your prayer life back on track, this is the perfect time to do it. And you don’t have to be perfect at it. Spending even fifteen minutes a day in prayer is beneficial. If you have more time than that, awesome. If you need to break up your prayer time throughout the day, that’s okay too. Every day is also a fresh start, and God’s mercies are plentiful. As long as you are consistent in your prayer life, you’re on the right track. The Lord doesn’t want perfection; he wants to hear from you regularly.
Forgiveness and Healing: Letting Go of the Past
Maybe last year didn’t go as planned, or perhaps you had a lot of things happen last year in your life. You said or did the wrong thing; you misspoke, or you made a mistake. Or maybe life happened to you. A divorce, a sick child, or a job loss. In such situations, it’s essential to let go of the past and forgive yourself. It’s a new year full of possibilities. Let’s pray.
Dear Lord,
Please help me let go of the unpleasant things that happened last year. Help me move on from the unpleasant situations and help me forgive myself for my mistakes. Thank you for forgiving me for the wrongs I did and for loving me. I’m trusting you to guide me and give me wisdom in the new year. Help me discern your voice and the direction you want me to go. Amen.
Community and Unity: Praying Together for a Better World
We live in a complex and unpredictable world, and praying together is an excellent and powerful way to start the new year. Gather with your friends weekly to pray for one another, the issues affecting our world, and the leaders of our countries. Attend a prayer night at your local church to join with other believers in prayer. Join a small group for Bible study. This is a great way to engage with the community and spend time in the Lord’s presence together.
Personal Growth: Seeking Wisdom and Strength in the New Year
We all want more wisdom and strength in our lives, and the Lord will give it to us if we ask. If you’re seeking to grow personally through prayer this year, here are some tips to do so.
● Be specific in your prayers, talking to God and asking him particular things.
● Set a daily prayer time: It’s good to talk to God throughout the day, but it’s also good to have a set time during the day to speak to him without distraction.
● Keep a gratitude journal. Write the things you are thankful for that God has done and when he answers one of your prayers. Incorporate this thankfulness into your prayer life.
● Be present. Do your best to drown out distractions and keep your mind and body still. Find a quiet place in your home where you can be alone. If you need to put a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, then do so.
● Reflect on Scripture or Quotes. Read about the personal growth of people in the Bible to inspire you.
Health and Well-Being: Prayers for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Many people make resolutions to improve their body, mind, and spirit. Some people want to lose weight, others want to improve their mental health, and others want to draw closer to the Lord. Here are some prayer ideas.
Body
Dear Lord,
You're aware of how this weight is affecting my body and that I have a desire to change it. Please help me make better choices about eating and exercising, and listen to my doctor’s guidance. Help me resist the latest ‘thing’ for weight loss when progress becomes hard. My body is a temple, and I want to be as healthy as possible. In your name I pray. Amen.
Mind
Dear Lord,
You know I’ve been struggling with my thoughts and mental health. Help me resist entertainment that may exacerbate these thoughts and find the right mental health provider. I want to improve my mental health so that my thoughts are pleasing to you. Amen.
Spirit
Dear Lord,
I long to grow closer to you this year. Please guide me as I read my Bible and give me discernment to hear your voice in the things of my life. Help me stay focused and consistent in my prayer life as we grow closer together. Amen.
Hope and Faith: Trusting the Journey Ahead
With a new year comes uncertainty in so many areas in our own lives and the world. Something is always happening, and it can easily become overwhelming. On the other hand, the new year also brings numerous opportunities and new experiences. Still, we need to trust the Lord with everything.
Dear Lord,
I pray for the year ahead, and all that comes with it. Help me hear your voice in the situations of my personal life, and to trust you when the world gets noisy and chaotic. I put my faith and hope in you and trust your plans for both my life and the world around me. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Acts of Kindness: Incorporating Prayer into Daily Life
Incorporating prayer into your daily life is essential, and there are various ways to do so.
Morning Rituals
Start your day with prayer. Thank the Lord for waking you up, all that he has done in your life, and all that he will do in the future.
● Keep a gratitude journal and write three things you’re thankful for each morning.
● Set an intention for the day, asking to be led to opportunities to be kind and lift others.
Mealtime Connection
Integrate prayer into your mealtime to express gratitude for the food and the people in your life.
● Before your meal, pray for those who are less fortunate, reinforcing empathy and awareness.
● If you’re eating with someone, talk about being intentional in helping others.
Midday Moments
Take a moment to pause during your busy schedule and pray. This could be during your coffee break or lunch. Pause, reflect, and connect with the Lord.
● If needed, use apps or reminders to remind you to pray during the day. These moments can help you reflect and refocus your energy.
● If you are dining with others, encourage them to pause with you in prayer to promote mutual support and connection.
Evening Reflection
Before bed, take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your day. Pray for those you interacted with and remember the moments of kindness you experienced throughout the day.
● Every evening, make sure each member of your family shares one act of kindness they either did for someone else or that they received.
● Pray for strength and guidance in any struggles your family members face.
Celebration and Joy: A Prayer of Prosperity and Blessings For All
This is a great time to pray for your friends, family, and others around you.
Dear Lord,
I pray for my friends, family, and other people in my life. It’s the start of a new year, and none of us know what’s coming, but we trust you in all of it. I pray that everyone I know will have a prosperous year full of blessings from you that come at just the right time. Amen.
Here’s to a consistent prayer life this year that draws you closer to God than you’ve ever been before.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
