This is a week that includes one of my favorite things of the whole year:

A time to pray and reflect on all that God has done, is doing, and will continue to do.

I have grown to a place of great comfort as I take the extended time to pray through the year. To look back on the many providences of God, check my heart on any bitterness/unforgiveness, and to look ahead to the new year as I plan and pray for what is ahead.

Here is a brief overview of the guide that I put together and used this year:

New Year’s Prayer Guide

I. Write down the name of each month in a journal then add a memory, difficult thing that happened, and/or blessing from that month.

I sometimes need a prompt to help jog my memory such as:

•Did I/we take any special trips?

•Were there any major changes such as a move, job change, new little ones added, and/ or adoption?

•Did I participate or lead any Bible studies this year?

• Are there any sermons and/ or podcasts that stand out?

•Any new friendships made this year?

I also can look back over my journal to help remember things (that is if I have taken time to WRITE in my journal 😊.)

II. P- Praise God- pray scripture to God. (Example- Psalm 19:14- May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. )

This helps to settle my busy mind as I enter into praying. I also keep a “to do” or “worry” list to jot notes on to help with distracted thoughts.

III. R- Repent by asking God to reveal sin in my life. Ask God to reveal any bitterness and unforgiveness. List any people that God brings to mind and write down offenses against me. Pray that I will see those offenses in light of my own sin. (Matthew 6:14-15)

IV. A – Ask for prayer for others. There are so many needs in all our lives at this season and so this part can be quit “extended.” But what a blessing to set aside this extra time for prayer for others in my life.

This is also a time to write a letter to someone that God has used to play a significant role in my life. (“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16)

V. Y- Your own needs. I use this time to pray for things in my own life. I sometimes list our children’s names, husband, our schedule for the new year, etc. I pray for our marriage, areas where I want to grow, plus any goals/ dreams for the coming year.

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Oh what peace comes from extended time in God’s word and prayer. I am taking a deep breath this early morning as I write after a late night of prayer. The sun has yet to rise yet it is about to peek it’s head up for the day. The last day of 2020 is here.

May your coming year be filled with the only thing that stays the same.

May God richly bless each of you, my friends! Thank you for giving your precious time this year to read my blog. I am humbled that you would take the time from your busy lives to follow along my life. You are each a gift to me!! 💙

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