We appreciate your well-wishes for the new year and echo your sentiments for a joyful and prosperous year ahead. It is wonderful that you are seeking God's favor and asking for His forgiveness. We remember that it is by grace that we are saved. It is through faith and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works so that no one can boast.
As we look forward to the new year, it is essential to remember that our hope is in Jesus Christ alone. It is through Him that we have access to God. Let us hold fast to the promise that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9 WEB) Also, we read in the word of God, Therefore, please come now, you and all your household, into the ark, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. (Genesis 7:1 WEB) As such we must also be concerned with righteousness and the righteousness of our family, friends, and others that we allow to influence and affect us.
We must also be diligent to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? What communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 WE)
Let us pray for every person, Christian brothers and sisters in church, or small circle of fellow believers that we are surrounded by. Let us pray that we may be filled with testimonies of Gods goodness. We really should also make known the testimonies rather than just letting out mouths be full of testimonies in private. So really, let us always be ready to publicly share our faith according to what is written But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. And I tell you who hears testimony against you to go and be reconciled; and, lo! you are first coming to present your service gift at the altar there, and there be reconciled with your opposition. Leave your offering there in front of the altar and go! Be reconciled with all of your oppositon. This version of this scripture is paraphrasing the concept in prayer and service, Or how will he ask of God, seeing he does not give glory to God?.(1 Peter 2:15 WEB) In this way, we can be a light to the world, shining the light of Christ in our lives.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, thanking You for the gift of a new year. We ask, Lord, that this year be filled with Your favor, Your miracles, Your love, and Your mercy. Forgive us our sins, cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and rewrite our stories according to Your will. We pray for your righteousness. We pray for wisdom and discernment to not be yoked with unbelievers. We also pray for your reconciliation with our oppositions. We know that it is through Jesus Christ alone that we have access to You. We will not be ashamed to share our faith or the testimonies that you have given to us. We do this in Jesus Name.
Father, we ask this in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.