Prayer for the New Year

Lord I am incredibly grateful for last year. It has been a year of ups and downs, but one truth still rings clear amidst it all - I am never alone and you are still God.

Thank you for all you have allowed in my life this past year, the good along with the hard things, which reminded me of how much I  need you and rely on your presence in my life every single day.

Forgive me for the times I have worked so hard to be self sufficient, forgetting my need for you, living independent of your spirit. Forgive me for letting fear and worry control my mind, and for allowing pride and selfishness wreak havoc over my life. Forgive me for not following your ways and for living distant from your presence.

I pray for your spirit to lead me each step of this new year. I ask that you will guide my decisions and turn my heart to deeply desire you above all else.

I ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close doors needing to be shut. I ask that you would help me release my grip on things to which you have said No, Not yet or wait. I ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you have put within me.

I ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within me. I pray you would make me strong ad courageous for the road ahead. Give me ability beyond what I feel able, let your gifts flow freely through me so that you would be honoured by my life and others would be drawn to you.

I pray for  your protection over me, my family and friends. I ask for your hand to cover us and keep us distanced from the evil intent of the enemy; that you would be a barrier that surrounds us, that we would be safe in your hands.

I pray that you would give me discernment and insight beyond my years, to understand your will, to hear your voice and know your ways. I ask that you would keep my footsteps firm on solid ground, helping me to be consistent and faithful. Give me supernatural endurance to stay the course, not wavering or being easily distracted by other things that would seek to call me away from a close walk with you.

I confess my need for you. I ask that you make all things new, in my heart, in my mind and in my life for this coming year. Keep your words of truth planted firm within me, help me to keep focused  on what is pure and right, give me the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds me where I have been, hissing his lies and attacks my way, I trust that your voice will speak louder and stronger, as you remind me I am safe with you and your purposes and plans will never fail. I ask that You will be my defense and guard, keeping my way clear, removing the obstacles and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead me on your level ground

I ask that You will provide all I need, I ask for your grace and favour. I pray for your blessings over me, my family and friends. I pray that You would help us to prosper and make every plan that You have birthed in our heart succeed.

I pray that others would take notice of your goodness and could not help but to say "These are the ones that the Lord has blessed".

Help me to be a great giver, help me to be generous and kind, help me to look to the needs of others and not be overwhelmed or consumed by my own needs.

May the fruit of Your spirit be evident in my life - your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Shine your light in me, through me, over me, May I make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes.

To You be the glory and honour in this new year and forever,

In Jesus Name

Amen