As we approach a new year, we are reminded of the goodness and faithfulness of God, who makes all things new. We are thankful for the promise that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17,WEB).
As you reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one, remember that God has a purpose and plan for your life. He says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11,WEB).
Let us not forget to include Jesus in our celebration of a new year. We must remember that Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me" (John 14:6, WEB). If the request did not mention Jesus, we must remember that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God. The Bible says that there is no other name by which we can be saved. (Acts 4:12,WEB) If we call on anyone or anything else for salvation, then we are calling on the wrong thing. Only God can save us and He will do so because of Jesus death on the cross. If we believe in Jesus, then God will save us. If you are reading this and have never believed in Jesus Christ, we encourage you to learn about him and place your faith in Him.
As we enter this new year, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, thanking You for the gift of a new year. We praise You for Your faithfulness and goodness in our lives. We ask that You guide us to become the people you created us to be.
Please give us insight into Your will for our lives and the strength to follow it. Teach us to become more like Jesus everyday. Help us to trust You more, to love You, to share Your love with others.
We pray that You will give us the strength to resist temptation and to live lives that are pleasing to You. We ask that You bring people into our lives that we can witness to and share Your love with. We pray for strength in our families, churches, relationships, and jobs.
We ask that You continue to renew us according to Your promises in Jesus' Name.
Amen.