6 Prayers for New Beginnings

There are moments in life when we wish we could press a restart button. To have our past forgiven and be given a clean slate, no longer hindered by foolish decisions or hurtful actions. At these times, we long for a fresh start.

Believers in Jesus have already been given this gift. When we place faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, we are washed clean from our sins and given a new life (Titus 3:5; 1 John 1:7). We become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). No longer does our past define us because we are now beloved children of God. These blessings are given to us the moment we trust in Jesus, but we also have the promise that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

If we desire a fresh beginning, then we should seek the Lord’s guidance and submit to His perfect will. As it is, He is the One who transformed us from slaves of darkness into children of light (Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:5), and He is the One who can bring water from parched deserts (Isaiah 41:18-20). If we are looking for renewal, then we must invite God’s work into our lives.

Lord,

You bring streams of water from dry land, and You have placed Living Water inside me because of the gift of Your Spirit. Revive the dead places in my life and make me new. I know my decisions and actions still have consequences but help me begin afresh this year – to live a life devoted to You, loving You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May You be glorified through this fresh start. 

In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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January marks the dawn of a fresh year, and with those 12 months ahead, we could be entering a new chapter in life. Some may be starting their final year or semester of college, beginning a different position at work, have recently gotten married, or are stepping into the season after kids have grown up and left the home. These opportunities can carry a mixture of emotions, such as excitement and fear, or sorrow and hope.

Regardless of where this new year takes us, we can trust that the Lord will be with us, and He has a plan for our lives. He is still “God with us” even after Christmas (Matthew 1:23). We can face the new chapter of our lives with hopeful expectation of God’s loving presence despite the fear or sorrow we may feel.

Like Hezekiah, who prayed to the Lord with the letter from Sennacherib spread out before him (2 Kings 19:14-19), we can also hold out this new year – figuratively, or even with a calendar in hand – to God and pray over it. To ask Him to help us as we face the challenges and opportunities of the next 12 months.

Lord of yesterday, today, and tomorrow,

Grant me peace as I begin this new season of life. I do not know what to expect, and sometimes thinking of the past makes me miss those finished chapters. Thank you for walking beside me into this unknown territory. Keep my focus on You as I face tomorrow, for in You I have hope.

Amen.

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For many, the change of the calendar can spark plans for cultivating a closer walk with Christ. What better time to begin than when everything seems fresh and ripe with opportunity? Although believers can and should always be growing spiritually, the new year can bring motivation to develop a new habit or discipline, or prompt a person to get connected with a local church. Growing in godliness and love for Christ is always beneficial (1 Timothy 4:8).

God is the One who works through us to shape us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). He cares about our spiritual growth and wants to see us bearing fruit. As Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Therefore, we should talk to Him about the desire to become a more devoted disciple.

As we turn our thoughts to our walk with Christ this year, let us take time to pray and consider what He wants to do in and through us.

God,

You are the Sculptor, conforming me to the image of Your Son, and the Gardener who is growing me to maturity. Plant in my life Your Word and will, and chisel away anything that does not align with my identity as a disciple. Direct me in the way You want me to grow. I want to bear fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit. I trust that You are working to finish Your masterpiece.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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New Year’s resolutions can take many different forms. A person might choose to embark on a new career path while someone else could choose a simpler goal, like starting a different hobby. Regardless of if someone wants to start learning to paint, create new recipes, build a shed, or train for a new job, any project and goal that is done for the glory of God is good (1 Corinthians 10:31). Small or large, it can be done to bring pleasure to the Lord.

Whatever we set out to do, may we do our best for the honor of our Savior. As Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Creator God,

Before I took my first breath, You were working, Lord. And humans can practice creativity only because You made us in Your image. During my ventures in the new year, whether professional growth or personal hobby, may I keep Your pleasure at the forefront of my mind. Be glorified in the work of my hands.

Amen.

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Sometimes our resolutions can be so focused on ourselves and trying to fix our problems that we forget that Scripture instructs us to direct our thoughts to others. We are told, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Perhaps we need to ask God to renew in us a focus on relationship with others.

The Lord Jesus modeled a relational lifestyle, even as He made quiet time away with the Father a priority. He paused to notice and acknowledge a hurting woman (Luke 8:43-48). He showed compassion to the crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). He dined and fellowshipped with the outcasts of society (Matthew 9:10-13). To follow Christ as His disciple, and love people as He has called us, we need to start praying for a heart for others that reflects His heart.

This might look like praying for increased love for those in our lives that are hard to love. Maybe we need to repent of our anger against those who do not have the same political views as us and ask God to help us love them. Or to forgive an estranged family member. Our prayers will likely look different, but what will be the same is our desire to cultivate loving relationships.

Dear Jesus,

You know how hard it is for me to love others in the way You instructed. There are relationships in my life that are broken. I ask for Your renewing work in these areas. Create in me a heart for others and a concern for their lives. For Savior, You acted in love and prioritized others during Your earthly ministry, and You continue to do so today. Help me to begin to consider the interests of others.

In Your name, I pray, amen.

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Although many people are enthusiastic about the beginning of a fresh year, others are not as hopeful. Situations in life may have them looking to the future with fear. Health conditions, the loss of a friend or loved one, or general issues with family and finances can all contribute to a wariness towards the new year.

What they need is not a reminder that their problems will continue to follow them into the coming months, but a renewed sense of hope and purpose. The reality is that terrible events happen in life. None of us are immune from the fallen nature of this world that brings suffering and death. Seasons of sorrow will come in life, but that does not mean we are without hope. We have a Savior who entered our dark world, to save us from sin and death (John 1:9-14). In Him, we have the promise that everything will be made right one day.

Until that day, we can live with hope amid the struggles and stressful situations. Our Lord has given us the purpose of glorifying Him and making Him known in the world (Isaiah 43:7; Matthew 28:19-20). We can do this regardless of the time of year or circumstances we are in.

Great Savior,

The situations in my life make me afraid of what will happen in the new year. In the past, I have been hopeful, but not this year. Enable me to look beyond the problems and pain to instead remember that You are loving and are working everything out for my good. I know this does not mean my struggles will disappear, but You are with me. Jesus, You are the Light in my darkness. Remind me again that I have a purpose for being alive. And that Your love is always with me. I choose to trust You with the turning of the calendar.

Amen.

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