January 1, 2026

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.“ II Corinthians 5:17

January 1, 2026

Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus,

As a new year begins, I come to You thankful for the old year and all that I learned from it. Thank You for the good times shared with family and friends. Thank You for the trials and tribulations that helped me to be grateful and patient. I pray that I will continue to build patience and understanding in the year ahead.

Thank You for Your Word, Lord. I ask that You help me to read, understand and apply it to the details of my life. Allow it to guide me through the various situations I will face in the coming year. Help me retain Your word in my heart and soul so that I will always have it at the forefront of my mind.

As I read Your word, help me to remember Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Let me take those words and have them renew my mind and my thinking. Help Your word to guide me through each new day.

Help me to be an example of Your love and Your grace. Help me to be a light to others. Help me to be a loving husband and father. Help me to be a trustful friend to all. Help me to be the voice of reason during conflict. Help me to be bold in proclaiming the gospel to others.

As each new day dawns, let me rejoice in another day of life. Let me focus on the many things that You have blessed me with. Help me to avoid focusing on the things that bring me down and take my focus away from You. Your word helps to adjust my thinking. As Your word plainly states:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

May all I do in the new year be in line with Your will for me and for Your glory.

For us here on earth, we begin another year of 365 days. Our concept of time and Yours is so very different. As II Peter 3:8 says: “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” None of us knows just how much time we have here on this planet. Please help me to use each second wisely.

As I look at the things I want to make happen, I ask for Your help. This year I want to:

• Spend more time in Your word
• Spend more time in Prayer
• Practice more kindness and to be less selfish
• Let go of past hurts and extend more empathy and forgiveness to others.
• Avoid negativity and be more positive.
• Have more time with family

With Your help, I know that it can be done. With You all things are possible.

Thank You for Your unconditional love. Thank You for the gift of Salvation through Your death, burial and resurrection. Thank You for a new year and new possibilities.

I pray these things in Christ’s name,

Amen.