Heavenly Father,

We come to you with hearts full of thankfulness. Thank you that you love us no matter what; nothing can separate us from your abundant love. Thank you that when we are weak, you are strong.  Thank you that you care about all the details of our lives, even the smallest things matter to you.  Thank you for your constant presence as you walk with us moment by moment, day by day. We are never alone. We simple need to reach out to you, our comforter, provider, shield, and strength. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, through whom we have a restored relationship with you. This beautiful gift of relationship is not earned by any of our striving or turned away because any of our failings. God, you are a gracious gift-giver!

TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND ADD YOUR OWN WORDS OF THANKSGIVING

As this new year unfold, Lord, we pray for more of you. Keep drawing us to you as we go through our days and open our eyes and ears to the beauty of the ways that you are constantly with us.  Help us to see how you, Lord, orchestra our lives in ways that can be none other than you. Cause us to pause and give thanks throughout our days for the many ways to lead and guide our lives, for your rich provision, and for your extravagant grace.  In days of joy and in days of sorrow you are with us.  You want us to call out to you, to be dependant on you, to seek you. Father, make it the desire of our heart to seek you first, and place all other things that beg for our attention behind.

TAKE A MINUTE OR TWO TO AKS GOD TO FILL YOU AND LEAD YOU INTO THE YEAR AHEAD

As we rise in the morning, may our hearts be turned to you so that as we go out into the world we do so with the heart and eyes to see the world and those we meet with your eyes. Give us compassion and time for the other. As we go about our day, may our desires and work align with your desire and work for us. Give us glad hearts as we toil. As we fall into bed at the end of the day, may we think of our day and those we encountered, taking time to reflect on thing we could have done differently, areas we may need forgiveness for, and all the things we are thankful for.

TAKE TIME TO REFLECT AND PRAY ABOUT YOUR DAY OR WHAT YOU HAVE AHEAD OF YOU TOMORROW

Lord, as we think about our own lives and the lives of those around us re recognize both needs and blessings.  Thank you for new babies, for graduations, for promotions, for birthdays and anniversaries, for new and long-time homes, for marriages and engagements, for vacations, for time spent with loved ones and friends, for family, and so much more. We are rich!

TAKE TIME TO THANK GOD FOR THE MANY BLESSING THAT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED AND THAT THOSE AROUND YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED

We also recognize that life doesn’t always go as we want and that we are need people.  We need you, like a child needs a parent, we need you! We think of those who have lost loved ones. Lord, comfort. We think of those who are facing both physical and mental health challenges. Lord, draw close and heal. We think of those who are seeking employment and of those who are having financial difficulties. Lord, provide. We think of those who are dealing with relationship challenges both within and outside marriages. Lord, restore.  We think of our children/parents/siblings who are wandering away from you or don’t know you yet. Lord, draw them to you. We think of those challenged by addictions. Lord, breakthrough and restore. We think of those who are lonely and hurting. Lord, by your Spirit fill the voids and restore joy. Our list of needs goes on. You, Father know all our needs even before we speak them. We pray that we may have complete trust in you and recognized that you are with us in our darkest days. You care for the lilies of the field, oh Lord, how much more you care for us! Let us rest in the promise of Jeramiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

TAKE TIME TO PRAY FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL NEEDS AND THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND YOU

Father, as we step into this new year, continue to call us to you, to mold us and shape us in the ways of your Kingdom, challenge our set ways and cause us to break free from the stronghold that hold us back from fully loving and serving you. Light a passion in our hearts for your ways. Lead us deeper into life with you, that you may be gloried in all we say and do.

In the name of the one who gave it all for our sake, Christ Jesus,

Amen