Prayers For The New Year | December 28th
Sermon Overview
Prayers for the New Year: Moving Beyond Failed Resolutions
As we approach another new year, many of us are already thinking about resolutions. Statistics show that 25% of Americans plan to exercise more, while others focus on eating healthier, losing weight, saving money, or improving mental health. Yet if we're honest, most of us have a track record of failing at these well-intentioned goals.
Benjamin Franklin himself struggled with this reality. He kept a notebook to track his progress on resolutions like avoiding trivial conversations, staying organized, and practicing frugality. He marked so many failures with X's that he eventually switched to writing on ivory so he could erase and start fresh each day.
What if there's a better approach than relying on our own willpower?
Why Prayer Trumps Personal Willpower
Physical discipline has its place, but as Paul reminds Timothy, "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Rather than depending solely on our own strength, we can operate in the strength that God provides.
Jeremiah 29:12 offers this promise: "When you call out to me, says the Lord, and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers." Jesus reinforced this truth in Matthew 7, teaching us to ask, seek, and knock, with the assurance that our heavenly Father gives good gifts to those who ask.
Four Essential Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 1: May I Draw Near to God Daily
James 4:8 tells us, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." This begins with establishing a daily quiet time—a consistent practice of getting alone with God and His Word.
Whether it's early morning, during lunch, or in the evening, the goal is to open your Bible and ask God to speak to you. For beginners, Psalms and Proverbs are excellent starting points. Proverbs has 31 chapters, allowing you to read one chapter per day and complete the book twelve times in a year.
The SPECS Method for Bible Reading
When reading Scripture, look for these five elements:
Prayer 2: May I Let Go of Yesterday
Many of us carry yesterdays that disrupt our today. Past hurts, broken relationships, or unresolved conflicts can prevent us from fully embracing what God has for us now.
Paul demonstrates the right attitude in Philippians 3: "One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal of the prize, of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Forgiveness is often required—not just receiving it, but extending it to others. As Chuck Swindoll wisely noted, "When you forgive, you in no way change the past, but you sure do change your future."
Sometimes we must forgive people who think they need us to be forgiven. Sometimes we must let go of situations where we know we did the right thing, but others disagree. The key is refusing to let yesterday destroy today.
Prayer 3: May I Embrace Each Day as a Gift
Psalm 118:24 declares, "This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Every morning presents a fresh start, a new opportunity to serve God and experience His faithfulness.
Lamentations reminds us that "The Lord's loving kindness indeed never ceases. For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness."
Making the Most of Our Time
Since we're not guaranteed tomorrow, each day becomes precious. Jesus said in John 9:4, "We must work the works of him who sent me as long as it is day; night is coming when no man can work."
God has left us here for a purpose. We have unique opportunities to serve Him today that we won't have in eternity. Paul urges us to "be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Prayer 4: May I Pursue True Community
Proverbs 13:20 teaches us, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." The people we surround ourselves with significantly impact our spiritual growth and life direction.
Community for Protection
We need true community first for our own protection. Proverbs 18:1 warns that "he who separates himself seeks his own desire; he quarrels against all sound wisdom." Isolation makes us vulnerable to deception and poor decisions.
Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and we need others to serve as sounding boards, pointing out when we're off track or being influenced by wrong thinking.
Community for Evangelism
True community also serves to draw outsiders in. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you... By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35).
When we choose to stay in authentic Christian community, others see it and want to be part of it. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together... but encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Life Application
Instead of making resolutions you'll likely break, commit to praying these four prayers throughout the coming year. Choose one area to focus on this week: establishing a daily quiet time, forgiving someone from your past, embracing today as God's gift, or connecting more deeply with Christian community.
Ask yourself these questions:
As we approach another new year, many of us are already thinking about resolutions. Statistics show that 25% of Americans plan to exercise more, while others focus on eating healthier, losing weight, saving money, or improving mental health. Yet if we're honest, most of us have a track record of failing at these well-intentioned goals.
Benjamin Franklin himself struggled with this reality. He kept a notebook to track his progress on resolutions like avoiding trivial conversations, staying organized, and practicing frugality. He marked so many failures with X's that he eventually switched to writing on ivory so he could erase and start fresh each day.
What if there's a better approach than relying on our own willpower?
Why Prayer Trumps Personal Willpower
Physical discipline has its place, but as Paul reminds Timothy, "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Rather than depending solely on our own strength, we can operate in the strength that God provides.
Jeremiah 29:12 offers this promise: "When you call out to me, says the Lord, and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers." Jesus reinforced this truth in Matthew 7, teaching us to ask, seek, and knock, with the assurance that our heavenly Father gives good gifts to those who ask.
Four Essential Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 1: May I Draw Near to God Daily
James 4:8 tells us, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." This begins with establishing a daily quiet time—a consistent practice of getting alone with God and His Word.
Whether it's early morning, during lunch, or in the evening, the goal is to open your Bible and ask God to speak to you. For beginners, Psalms and Proverbs are excellent starting points. Proverbs has 31 chapters, allowing you to read one chapter per day and complete the book twelve times in a year.
The SPECS Method for Bible Reading
When reading Scripture, look for these five elements:
- Sin to forsake: What habits or attitudes need to change?
- Promise to claim: What has God promised that you can hold onto?
- Example to follow: What positive behavior can you emulate?
- Command to obey: What is God specifically asking you to do?
- Subject to study: What topic needs deeper investigation?
Prayer 2: May I Let Go of Yesterday
Many of us carry yesterdays that disrupt our today. Past hurts, broken relationships, or unresolved conflicts can prevent us from fully embracing what God has for us now.
Paul demonstrates the right attitude in Philippians 3: "One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal of the prize, of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Forgiveness is often required—not just receiving it, but extending it to others. As Chuck Swindoll wisely noted, "When you forgive, you in no way change the past, but you sure do change your future."
Sometimes we must forgive people who think they need us to be forgiven. Sometimes we must let go of situations where we know we did the right thing, but others disagree. The key is refusing to let yesterday destroy today.
Prayer 3: May I Embrace Each Day as a Gift
Psalm 118:24 declares, "This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Every morning presents a fresh start, a new opportunity to serve God and experience His faithfulness.
Lamentations reminds us that "The Lord's loving kindness indeed never ceases. For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness."
Making the Most of Our Time
Since we're not guaranteed tomorrow, each day becomes precious. Jesus said in John 9:4, "We must work the works of him who sent me as long as it is day; night is coming when no man can work."
God has left us here for a purpose. We have unique opportunities to serve Him today that we won't have in eternity. Paul urges us to "be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Prayer 4: May I Pursue True Community
Proverbs 13:20 teaches us, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." The people we surround ourselves with significantly impact our spiritual growth and life direction.
Community for Protection
We need true community first for our own protection. Proverbs 18:1 warns that "he who separates himself seeks his own desire; he quarrels against all sound wisdom." Isolation makes us vulnerable to deception and poor decisions.
Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and we need others to serve as sounding boards, pointing out when we're off track or being influenced by wrong thinking.
Community for Evangelism
True community also serves to draw outsiders in. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you... By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35).
When we choose to stay in authentic Christian community, others see it and want to be part of it. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together... but encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Life Application
Instead of making resolutions you'll likely break, commit to praying these four prayers throughout the coming year. Choose one area to focus on this week: establishing a daily quiet time, forgiving someone from your past, embracing today as God's gift, or connecting more deeply with Christian community.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What specific time will I set aside daily to draw near to God through His Word and prayer?
- What "yesterday" do I need to release so it stops hindering my today?
- How can I better recognize and embrace each day as a gift from God?
- What steps will I take to pursue deeper Christian community for both protection and evangelism?
Devo 1 – Training for What Really Matters
As we step into a new year, many of us are already thinking about resolutions. The gym memberships, diet plans, and self-improvement goals fill our minds with hope for change. But here's the beautiful truth: while physical training has its place, there's something far more valuable we can pursue. Think about the last time you tried to change something about yourself through sheer willpower. Maybe it was breaking a bad habit or starting a good one. How long did it last? Most of us have a track record of broken promises to ourselves, and that's okay – it's part of being human. The difference between temporary change and lasting transformation lies not in our strength, but in God's. When we train for godliness – developing our relationship with Him, growing in His character, and learning to depend on His power – we're investing in something that benefits us both now and forever. This doesn't mean physical health or practical goals don't matter. It means we approach them differently. Instead of relying solely on our limited willpower, we can tap into an unlimited source of strength. We can pray for wisdom about our goals, seek God's help in achieving them, and remember that our ultimate identity isn't found in our achievements but in His love for us. As you consider what you want to change or improve this year, start with the foundation that never fails: your relationship with God. Everything else flows from there.
Bible Verse
'Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.' - 1 Timothy 4:8
Reflection Question
What would it look like for you to prioritize spiritual training over physical or material goals this year, and how might this shift in focus actually help you achieve lasting change in other areas of your life?
Quote
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better. Promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
Prayer
Lord, help me to see that true transformation begins with You. Give me wisdom to prioritize what matters most and the strength to pursue godliness above all else. Show me how to depend on Your power rather than my own limited willpower. Amen.
Bible Verse
'Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.' - 1 Timothy 4:8
Reflection Question
What would it look like for you to prioritize spiritual training over physical or material goals this year, and how might this shift in focus actually help you achieve lasting change in other areas of your life?
Quote
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better. Promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
Prayer
Lord, help me to see that true transformation begins with You. Give me wisdom to prioritize what matters most and the strength to pursue godliness above all else. Show me how to depend on Your power rather than my own limited willpower. Amen.
Devo 2 – The Power of Drawing Near
Have you ever noticed how some people seem to have an inner strength that carries them through difficult times? They face the same challenges we do, yet they respond with a peace and wisdom that seems almost supernatural. The secret isn't that they're stronger people – it's that they've learned to draw from a stronger source. Building on yesterday's foundation of training for godliness, today we discover the practical pathway: drawing near to God. This isn't about perfecting a religious routine or impressing anyone with our spirituality. It's about developing a real, daily relationship with the One who loves us most. When we consistently spend time in God's Word and prayer, something beautiful happens. We begin to see life through His eyes. Our problems don't necessarily disappear, but our perspective changes. We start to understand His heart, His ways, and His promises. Most importantly, we experience His presence. This daily drawing near isn't another item on our to-do list – it's the source of strength for everything else on that list. Whether we're facing a difficult relationship, a challenging work situation, or personal struggles, we don't have to face them alone or in our own strength. The promise is simple but profound: when we take steps toward God, He takes steps toward us. He's not waiting for us to get our act together first. He's waiting for us to simply come, just as we are, and discover that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Bible Verse
'Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.' - James 4:8
Reflection Question
What specific time and place could you set aside each day to draw near to God, and what barriers (internal or external) might you need to overcome to make this a consistent reality?
Quote I find that I'm more successful when operating in the strength that God provides than in my own strength.
Prayer
Father, I want to draw near to You not out of obligation, but out of love and need. Help me to prioritize time with You each day. Remove any barriers that keep me from experiencing Your presence and strength. Thank You for always being ready to meet with me. Amen.
Bible Verse
'Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.' - James 4:8
Reflection Question
What specific time and place could you set aside each day to draw near to God, and what barriers (internal or external) might you need to overcome to make this a consistent reality?
Quote I find that I'm more successful when operating in the strength that God provides than in my own strength.
Prayer
Father, I want to draw near to You not out of obligation, but out of love and need. Help me to prioritize time with You each day. Remove any barriers that keep me from experiencing Your presence and strength. Thank You for always being ready to meet with me. Amen.
Devo 3 – Letting Go to Move Forward
Imagine trying to run a race while carrying a heavy backpack filled with rocks. Every step would be harder, every mile more exhausting. Yet many of us approach each new day – and each new year – carrying invisible weight from yesterday's disappointments, hurts, and failures. As we continue building our foundation of drawing near to God, we encounter a crucial truth: we can't fully embrace today while clinging to yesterday's pain. Forgiveness isn't just a nice spiritual concept – it's essential for our freedom and growth. Maybe someone hurt you deeply, and the wound still feels fresh. Perhaps you're carrying guilt from your own mistakes, replaying them over and over in your mind. Or maybe you're frustrated with God about something that didn't go the way you hoped. These burdens weren't meant to be permanent residents in your heart. Forgiveness doesn't mean pretending the hurt never happened or that it didn't matter. It means choosing to release your right to hold onto the pain. When you forgive others, you're not changing what they did – you're changing your future. When you receive God's forgiveness for your own failures, you're not minimizing your mistakes – you're accepting His grace. This process often takes time and may need to be repeated. But each step toward forgiveness is a step toward freedom. As you let go of yesterday's weight, you'll find yourself with new energy and hope for today's opportunities.
Bible Verse
'One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' - Philippians 3:13-14
Reflection Question
What specific hurt, disappointment, or failure from your past do you need to release through forgiveness, and what would your life look like if you were truly free from carrying that burden?
Quote
Sometimes the reason we're failing today is because we didn't let it go yesterday.
Prayer
Lord, You know the hurts and disappointments I've been carrying. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Give me the courage to let go of what lies behind so I can fully embrace what You have ahead. Heal my heart and set me free. Amen.
Bible Verse
'One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' - Philippians 3:13-14
Reflection Question
What specific hurt, disappointment, or failure from your past do you need to release through forgiveness, and what would your life look like if you were truly free from carrying that burden?
Quote
Sometimes the reason we're failing today is because we didn't let it go yesterday.
Prayer
Lord, You know the hurts and disappointments I've been carrying. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Give me the courage to let go of what lies behind so I can fully embrace what You have ahead. Heal my heart and set me free. Amen.
Devo 4 – Embracing Today's Gift
After learning to draw near to God and release yesterday's burdens, we're ready for a beautiful truth: today is a gift. Not just any gift, but one specifically chosen and prepared by God for you. Every morning, you wake up to fresh mercies and new opportunities. The challenges you'll face today, the people you'll encounter, the decisions you'll make – none of these are accidents. God has entrusted this day to you, and there are things you can accomplish for His kingdom today that you won't be able to do in eternity. This perspective transforms everything. That difficult conversation you've been avoiding? Today might be the day for breakthrough. The act of kindness you've been considering? Today is your opportunity. The dream you've been nurturing? Today you can take the next step. But here's what makes this even more meaningful: your time on earth is limited and precious. While eternity with God will be wonderful beyond imagination, there are unique ways you can serve Him and love others right now that won't exist in heaven. People around you need encouragement, hope, and love – and you might be the one God wants to use to provide it. Instead of rushing through today while thinking about tomorrow, or dwelling on yesterday's regrets, you can choose to be fully present. You can look for God's hand in the ordinary moments and trust that He's working through you in ways you might not even realize.
Bible Verse
'This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' - Psalm 118:24
Reflection Question
How might your perspective on today's challenges and opportunities change if you truly believed that God has specifically prepared this day for you, and what unique way might He want to use you to serve others today?
Quote
This is our opportunity to serve him in a way that we will not have when we're with him.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of today. Help me to see this day through Your eyes and to embrace both its joys and challenges with faith. Show me how You want to use me to serve others and advance Your kingdom. Don't let me waste the precious time You've given me. Amen.
Bible Verse
'This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' - Psalm 118:24
Reflection Question
How might your perspective on today's challenges and opportunities change if you truly believed that God has specifically prepared this day for you, and what unique way might He want to use you to serve others today?
Quote
This is our opportunity to serve him in a way that we will not have when we're with him.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of today. Help me to see this day through Your eyes and to embrace both its joys and challenges with faith. Show me how You want to use me to serve others and advance Your kingdom. Don't let me waste the precious time You've given me. Amen.
Devo 5 – The Power of True Community
As we conclude our journey of transformation, we arrive at a truth that might surprise you: you weren't meant to do this alone. All the spiritual growth, the daily drawing near to God, the forgiveness, and the embracing of each day – these are meant to happen in community with other believers. True Christian community isn't just about attending church services or social gatherings. It's about authentic relationships where people genuinely care for one another, speak truth in love, and walk through life's ups and downs together. It's about being known and loved despite your flaws, and extending that same grace to others. When we isolate ourselves, we become vulnerable to deception and discouragement. But when we stay connected to wise, godly people, we gain protection, encouragement, and accountability. Iron sharpens iron, and we become better versions of ourselves through these relationships. Here's the beautiful part: when others see authentic love among believers – not perfect people, but forgiven people loving each other well – they're drawn to it. They want to experience that kind of community for themselves. Your commitment to staying in genuine Christian fellowship becomes a witness to the world around you. As you continue growing in your relationship with God, don't underestimate the importance of growing in relationship with His people. Find a community where you can both give and receive love, encouragement, and truth. This isn't optional for the Christian life – it's essential.
Bible Verse
'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.' - John 13:34-35
Reflection Question
What steps do you need to take to either find or deepen your involvement in authentic Christian community, and how might your commitment to loving others well serve as a witness to those who don't yet know Christ?
Quote
When we choose to stay in true community, others see it and they want in.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to find and invest in relationships with other believers who will encourage me in my faith and hold me accountable. Show me how to love others the way You have loved me, and use our unity as a witness to draw others to You. Amen.
Bible Verse
'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.' - John 13:34-35
Reflection Question
What steps do you need to take to either find or deepen your involvement in authentic Christian community, and how might your commitment to loving others well serve as a witness to those who don't yet know Christ?
Quote
When we choose to stay in true community, others see it and they want in.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to find and invest in relationships with other believers who will encourage me in my faith and hold me accountable. Show me how to love others the way You have loved me, and use our unity as a witness to draw others to You. Amen.