Happy New Year! A new year means new beginnings. I can think of no better resolution for the believer than making prayer a priority. My prayer is that these new year prayers and blessings grow you closer to God, help you make praying for others a regular habit, and help you grow your faith as you see prayers answered as the year moves on.

I have written some sample prayers and have based each prayers on scripture to make it easy for you to also form your own prayers. The end is just some tips to keep prayer a priority.

Personal Prayers for the New Year

Praying for ourselves is not selfish when our desire is to be made right with and closer to God. These prayers focus on giving us a fresh start by confessing sin and seeking a deeper faith.

Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

Psalm 86:1 NIV

Prayers for Repentance

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Revelation 3:19 NIV

Heavenly Father, I would like to start my new year with a new, clean heart. I confess my sin of _______________. Help me to make repentance a daily part of my life so that I am right with you. Amen.

God, please forgive me for not making prayer a priority. I want this year to be marked by a woman who is dependant on you through prayer and faith. Amen.

Prayers for Deeper Faith

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

Philemon 1:6 NIV

Lord, I ask that you will deepen my understanding of every good thing for the sake of Christ. Give me wisdom as I read your word and discernment as I walk in this world. Amen.

God, I want to know you more. I want the things of this world to grow dimmer and for your light to shine bring in my heart. Take me over and give me a faith that shows. In Jesus Name I ask.

Free New Year Devotions

Prayers for New Beginnings in the New Year

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19 NIV

God of all Creation, I believe you are the God who created all things and can make all things new. Please do a new work in my heart and life this year so that I experience Jesus in a new way. Amen.

Lord, you are always doing a new thing. Renew my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Continue the good work you started in me and keep me walking in your newness of life.

New Year Blessings for Others

One of the greatest gifts we can give others is prayer. God is able to do so much more in their lives than we ever could imagine. And, bonus, when we see God work in their lives, we are rewarded and encouraged.

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 2:20-21 NIV

Blessing Over Home and Family

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
 May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
 For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

Psalm 122:6-9 NIV

Lord, thank you for home and family. I pray that you will give peace and love to our home. May we seek you above all else. May all who come into these walls feel secure, hopeful, and loved. Lord, for your sake, we seek your prosperity for this home.

Spiritual Goal Setting for Christian Families

Blessings Over Your Pastor and Church Family

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

God, thank you for my pastor and church family. Lord, bless them and equip them for every good work in your name. May your word be taught and used to rebuke, correct, train, and comfort us all that we may be righteous for your use. Amen.

Also, check out these scripture based prayers for praying for your pastor (and/or church leaders).

Blessings for Friends and Neighbors

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

3 John 1:2 NIV

Lord, I pray good health and wellness for my friends and neighbors. May their souls be well because they seek and find you with all their hearts. May you use me to encourage them and lead them toward your truths. Amen.

Prayers for Those Hurting and in Need

You, Lord, will keep the needy safe
    and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about
    when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Psalm 12:7-8 NIV

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are hurting and needy. Protect them from harm. Give them your comfort and peace. Help me to recognize when I can fill a need and be generous in word, deed, and gift. Amen.

Lord, I pray for ____________ who is hurting and in need of your healing and encouragement. Please hold them close and show them your love during this tough season. I pray for your care in their life. Amen.

Tips for Keeping Prayer a Priority in the New Year

These are some quick tips for keeping persevering in prayer all through the new year. Write them down in your prayer journal and refer to them often.

• Remember that we are commanded in the Bible to “pray always” (1 Thes. 5:17) and to “pray for all people.” (Eph. 6:18)

• Set yourself up for success. The experts say it takes about 2 weeks to make something a habit.
  • For the first 2-4 weeks of the new year, set a reminder on your phone, in your planner, or wherever else might help.
  • Find a quiet place where you can be alone for a few minutes.
  • Use my prayer guide above or write out your own prayer points.
  • Join a prayer group at church or online if you have the time.
  • Make sure you have a family prayer time built in to your day.

• Accountability. Ask a close friend or family member to keep you accountable by asking you weekly or monthly how your prayer life is growing and what you are praying.

• Write down your prayers and blessings. When you see an answer to that prayer, go back and write a praise to God along with the date. This encourages us to keep praying.

• Remind yourself of the privilege it is to approach the throne of God in prayer by memorizing Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV): “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven^] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”