The New Year offers a sense of refreshment… a feeling of starting over. We aim to adjust or introduce new habits or hobbies. Often at the forefront of conversation is a focus on our relationship with God. This might include starting a Bible reading plan, a new small group Bible study, or focusing our prayer life. Below is a sincere prayer written by Mary Ann Gustin, who serves as a volunteer leader on Schweitzer’s Prayer Team. We invite you to use this prayer as an offering to God as you enter 2024. Consider using this prayer as a model to craft your own prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father,
The year 2023 has come to an end, and I can hardly remember how it began.
I’m sure it started with some very noble aspirations that somehow got lost amid life’s highs and lows. I certainly am not as far along in my faith journey as I would like to be, but I’m further along than when this year began. I believe that’s because even in my faltering ways I found You were there to lift me up, redirect me, and cheer me on. Thank You!
Now I’m facing a new year. My Lord, what should I aspire to this year? I’ve always thought that as great as You are I should certainly aspire to accomplish great things for You. But maybe you simply desire that I walk each day with you. Help me walk with you each day this year, learning to hear you, not in the storms I might encounter, but with an attentive listening heart. Help me see you, not only in cathedrals, or on mountaintops, but also in the valleys. Help me love people and see you in the lives of those you have called the least of these and do for them as I would do for you.
Yes, my Lord, guide my steps so that I might humbly walk with the One who has so faithfully walked with me. Remind me that you are the One who said, “I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” – Isaiah 46 3b-4 (NLT)
Yes, my Lord, guide me one day at time in my desire to walk faithfully with you. I pray, make my way clear that I might follow you.
Amen!