Personal New Year Prayer & Reflection Guide
It is a great practice to take some time at the beginning of each year to reflect on the last year and pray through the upcoming year. Here is a simple prayer guide, interspersed with prayer and reflective activities that you can go through on your own.
We encourage you to choose a space that fosters reflection and focus. This might be a cozy, quiet corner of your home or a place that feels special, like a coffee shop, a peaceful spot in nature, or a chapel. You could even plan an overnight retreat to truly step away from daily distractions. Creating the right atmosphere can open your heart and mind, helping you to think deeply and reflect in fresh, meaningful ways.
We also encourage you to share things that stuck out to you with a significant other, such as a spouse, friend or mentor once you are done!
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Supplies: A candle, journal and crayons or markers
1. Reflection on the Past Year
Taking time to look back on the past year is an opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness, acknowledge the blessings He has given, and bring any areas of confession before Him. Light a candle as you begin and pray that God’s spirit will come and illuminate your mind and heart as you enter this time of prayer.
Scripture:
Lamentations 3:22–23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Prayer of Thankfulness (from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979 Edition):
"Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he conquered death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Amen."
Reflection Prompts:
Ask God to bring specific memories and thoughts to mind as you reflect on the past year. Write them down in your journal or on a piece of paper.
A testimony of something God did in your life.
Areas where you are most thankful for His provision and grace.
A new skill you learned or something you achieved.
A favorite memory or moment that brought you joy.
Any areas where you fell short or need to confess to God.
Creative Activity:
Create a gratitude and release chart.
Divide a page into two sections:
Gratitude: Write down specific blessings, skills, and memories from the past year.
Release: List areas of sin, regret, or struggles you want to surrender to God.
Spend a few moments in prayer, thanking God for the blessings and asking for His forgiveness and grace in the areas you need it.
2. Praying for Guidance in the New Year
Looking ahead to the new year, ask God to guide your steps, inspire your heart, and show you His plans for your life.
Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Prayer for Guidance (from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979 Edition):
"O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Reflection Prompts:
Invite God to lead your thoughts as you pray for the year ahead:
A theme verse or word for the year that reflects what God wants to teach or show you.
Something specific to pray for where you want to see God move.
A way you can serve Him or others this year.
Something new you can learn or try as an act of growth and trust in Him.
Creative Activity:
Create a Vision Prayer Board
On a piece of paper or a board, write your theme verse or word for the year in the center.
Around it, add visuals, drawings, or words representing your prayers, goals, and desires for the new year.
Dedicate the board to God in prayer, asking Him to align your plans with His will and guide you in every step.
Closing:
As you close in prayer, thank God for all the ways he led you last year, and ask Him to move in even more powerful ways this upcoming year! Blow out the candle, symbolizing your trust in God to carry His light in your heart as you step into the new year.
