Editor’s Note: The beginning of a new year can inspire us to reflect on the past and contemplate the future. As we enter 2024, we can celebrate the opportunity God has given us to be alive at this time and pray for God’s power to work in every situation we face. This was my Pastoral Prayer at Christ Church Los Angeles before the sermon on New Year’s Eve Sunday December 31, 2024.
Dear God, as we enter this new year, please give us the wisdom to discern your will for our lives. Help us set meaningful and purposeful New Year’s resolutions, aligning our desires with your perfect plan. Guide us in self-improvement, so we can become more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. Help us build healthy habits of prayer and meditation to stay in close communication with you throughout this year. Motivate us to read and study your Word the Bible regularly, enjoy worship regularly, and build relationships with our fellow believers, so we can keep growing spiritually. Help us notice your presence with us each day and night. When we face challenges this year, strengthen our resolve to persevere and remember that Jesus tells us that with God all things are possible. May the power of your Holy Spirit empower us to overcome challenges and to keep growing closer to you. As we begin this journey of self-improvement, let your Word be a lamp on our feet and a light on our path.. We trust you, the Light of the World, to direct us and illuminate the way forward. May the resolutions we make reflect a desire to honor you in every aspect of our lives.
Heavenly Father, our fallen world is going through so many difficulties right now. We pray for your peace, justice, and righteousness to prevail everywhere. Bring healing to all nations, and let your love transcend borders and boundaries. Grant wisdom to world leaders as they navigate the challenges of our time. Help everyone around the world cooperate to take good care of nature on our shared planet. Motivate us all to resolve conflicts and care for each other as your global family. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We specifically lift Israel, Gaza, Ukraine and all nations and regions experiencing wars and other disasters right now. Please intervene and inspire your people there and everyone worldwide to love our enemies and spread your grace and mercy. May your love flow freely through our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, pointing people to the hope you offer everyone. Show us how you want us to participate in your redemptive work, sharing the Gospel with people and choosing intentional kindness in all our relationships.
Father, in this new year, we want to grow in holiness so we can build closer relationships with you. Please fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us develop all the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help us to make our relationships with you our first priority, devoting our time to connecting with you and living our lives with purpose. May our faith be evident in all aspects of our lives. As we open ourselves to your transforming power, reveal areas where we need to surrender more fully to your will. Help us hunger and thirst for righteousness. Surround us with a community that encourages and challenges us in our journey of faith. May our spiritual growth be a testimony to your grace, drawing others to seek you as the ultimate source of hope
Please help the people we know who will face challenges in the coming year. Be their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. May they find comfort, encouragement, and hope from you. Please give them the strength to endure, the courage to persevere, and the faith to trust in your unfailing love. Let them experience your grace and see your hand at work in their lives. Please guide through nagging health concerns, financial hardships, or relationship struggles. May they find hope in your promises. May they experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and that guards their hearts and minds. Surround them with a community of support and help them bear each other’s burdens and find strength in unity. In the middle of their challenges, may they witness the power of your love and emerge stronger in their faith.
Empower us to be bold witnesses for your kingdom. Fill our hearts with a burning desire to share the good news of salvation with those who don’t yet know you. Help us approach you with confidence in prayer. Give us opportunities to speak about your love, grace, and redemption. In a world that often lacks hope, let our lives reflect the hope we have in you. Equip us with the right words and actions to make your Gospel known far and wide, so others may come to experience the joy of knowing you. Use us as vessels of your light in a world that needs your saving grace. Give us the discernment to recognize divine appointments and the courage to speak truth in love.
Almighty God, we’re thankful for the abundant blessings you have poured into our lives. Help us cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and contentment, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from you. In a world that often encourages us to seek more, may we find satisfaction in your presence and the richness of your love. Teach us to appreciate not only the extraordinary moments of our lives, but also the wonder of your work in ordinary moments. May our hearts overflow with gratitude, prompting us to share your love and goodness with those around us. As we count our blessings, may we become vessels of your generosity and compassion. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Dear God, as we enter this new year, please give us the wisdom to discern your will for our lives. Help us set meaningful and purposeful New Year’s resolutions, aligning our desires with your perfect plan. Guide us in self-improvement, so we can become more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. Help us build healthy habits of prayer and meditation to stay in close communication with you throughout this year. Motivate us to read and study your Word the Bible regularly, enjoy worship regularly, and build relationships with our fellow believers, so we can keep growing spiritually. Help us notice your presence with us each day and night. When we face challenges this year, strengthen our resolve to persevere and remember that Jesus tells us that with God all things are possible. May the power of your Holy Spirit empower us to overcome challenges and to keep growing closer to you. As we begin this journey of self-improvement, let your Word be a lamp on our feet and a light on our path.. We trust you, the Light of the World, to direct us and illuminate the way forward. May the resolutions we make reflect a desire to honor you in every aspect of our lives.
Heavenly Father, our fallen world is going through so many difficulties right now. We pray for your peace, justice, and righteousness to prevail everywhere. Bring healing to all nations, and let your love transcend borders and boundaries. Grant wisdom to world leaders as they navigate the challenges of our time. Help everyone around the world cooperate to take good care of nature on our shared planet. Motivate us all to resolve conflicts and care for each other as your global family. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We specifically lift Israel, Gaza, Ukraine and all nations and regions experiencing wars and other disasters right now. Please intervene and inspire your people there and everyone worldwide to love our enemies and spread your grace and mercy. May your love flow freely through our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, pointing people to the hope you offer everyone. Show us how you want us to participate in your redemptive work, sharing the Gospel with people and choosing intentional kindness in all our relationships.
Father, in this new year, we want to grow in holiness so we can build closer relationships with you. Please fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us develop all the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help us to make our relationships with you our first priority, devoting our time to connecting with you and living our lives with purpose. May our faith be evident in all aspects of our lives. As we open ourselves to your transforming power, reveal areas where we need to surrender more fully to your will. Help us hunger and thirst for righteousness. Surround us with a community that encourages and challenges us in our journey of faith. May our spiritual growth be a testimony to your grace, drawing others to seek you as the ultimate source of hope
Please help the people we know who will face challenges in the coming year. Be their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. May they find comfort, encouragement, and hope from you. Please give them the strength to endure, the courage to persevere, and the faith to trust in your unfailing love. Let them experience your grace and see your hand at work in their lives. Please guide through nagging health concerns, financial hardships, or relationship struggles. May they find hope in your promises. May they experience the peace that surpasses all understanding and that guards their hearts and minds. Surround them with a community of support and help them bear each other’s burdens and find strength in unity. In the middle of their challenges, may they witness the power of your love and emerge stronger in their faith.
Empower us to be bold witnesses for your kingdom. Fill our hearts with a burning desire to share the good news of salvation with those who don’t yet know you. Help us approach you with confidence in prayer. Give us opportunities to speak about your love, grace, and redemption. In a world that often lacks hope, let our lives reflect the hope we have in you. Equip us with the right words and actions to make your Gospel known far and wide, so others may come to experience the joy of knowing you. Use us as vessels of your light in a world that needs your saving grace. Give us the discernment to recognize divine appointments and the courage to speak truth in love.
Almighty God, we’re thankful for the abundant blessings you have poured into our lives. Help us cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and contentment, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from you. In a world that often encourages us to seek more, may we find satisfaction in your presence and the richness of your love. Teach us to appreciate not only the extraordinary moments of our lives, but also the wonder of your work in ordinary moments. May our hearts overflow with gratitude, prompting us to share your love and goodness with those around us. As we count our blessings, may we become vessels of your generosity and compassion. In Jesus’ name Amen.
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