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10 New Year’s Resolutions for Parents

By Gathered Again

New Year’s is often a time of year everyone looks forward to. It signifies the end of your year, and makes you recall and assess how it went. More often than not, the best thing about New Year is the chance to start afresh–a clean slate, if you will. It’s a chance for new beginnings. 

With this being said, the New Year is also a time for resolutions. New Year’s resolutions have been a common trend for the longest time now. It’s basically reflecting upon your past year and deciding the things you want to change. It’s about making a list of things you’re going to start or stop doing, and implementing it. However, not everyone gets to keep or complete their New Year’s resolution for the entire year.

According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent fail to keep their New Year’s resolution by the month of February. But, this also means there are 20 percent who successfully keep their New Year’s resolutions throughout the year, whether they be students, employees, or parents. 

Specifically for parents, there’s a really huge advantage in keeping your New Year’s resolutions—you get to keep pushing yourself to be better parents for your children. This way, you also get to make sure that the incoming year is in your favor. After all, you can’t simply just expect change without doing a little bit of action, which is why keeping your New Year’s resolution is the perfect way to start. 

The following are some New Year’s resolutions for parents:

Put a cap on your workday

This is a good resolution to have, especially for the sake of your children, because this makes them feel like they’re your top priority. Putting a cap on your workday basically means making sure to leave anything work-related at your office, and being physically and mentally present at home.. 

This is an important resolution not just for your family, but also for yourself. It’s necessary to take breaks from time to time to be able to regain the energy you lose at work, and to have a healthy mental state. As a parent, this is really significant because you can’t properly look after your kids if you’re constantly drained and tired, on top of having to worry about work. Putting a cap on your workday also gives you a lot of free time to focus on the household and on your family.

Reserve quality time for your children

Out of all the love languages, quality time is the most crucial and most important thing you can give your children. Just being completely present–emotionally, mentally and physically–is the best thing you can give them. 

In this fast-paced world where time is crucial, being able to give that to your children would make them feel most loved. In this way, you’re telling them that even amidst the hectic demands of life, you would always find time for them–and that would mean the world to your children! 

This is one of the New Year resolutions that’s good for parents to implement because if you were able to successfully do this throughout the year, your relationship with your children would drastically improve.

Eat dinner together at least three times a week

There’s just something significant about eating meals together as a family, which is why this is a really good New Year’s resolution to have! 

With this gesture, you’re implying that you want to get involved in your children’s lives, and you genuinely want to know how their day or week went. Talking about your week, laughing together, and generally just connecting with your family is one of the most underrated forms of intimacy when it comes to your family. 

Keeping this resolution throughout the year would certainly also make your children reassured that you genuinely care about what’s going on in their lives.

Talk less, listen more

It’s important to be able to learn to listen for the sake of actually listening to what your children are saying, and not just to respond. This is also an important New Year’s resolution for the reason that you’re putting their needs above your own, which is a selfless act by itself. 

By listening, you’re showing them that not only do you care, but also that their feelings are valid and what they say matters. As your children are in the formative years, being listened to would take a significant effect on their self-esteem as they grow up. 

Nobody ever wants to feel like their feelings are being invalidated, especially your children. 

Pray together as a family

Prayers are possibly the purest form of love because it shows you’re putting God as the core foundation of your entire family. Praying together shows that you’re integrating your values and faith in the family, which then leads to blessed home. 

When you pray as a family, there’s a certain kind of intimacy in that simple act. Whether it’s before meals or before bed, it’s important for parents to follow through with this resolution throughout the year. There’s also a simple saying that goes, “The family that prays together, stays together.” 

Always encourage your children

There’s nothing more disheartening to your children than when you’re using the wrong set of words that may tend to be hurtful (to their feelings and to their growth, as well). One of the most important things you should cultivate as a parent is the environment of your children, and encouraging words are part of that. 

Saying kind and encouraging words to children uplifts their spirit and makes them believe in themselves. In this way, they would feel the support that they need from a parent, and in turn, this would also have a positive impact on their growth and relationship with you. 

Go to church as a family

Sundays are usually family day, and it’s a great habit and practice to go to church with your entire family. This resolution is a good way to integrate your faith into your family–especially your children’s–life.

When you go to church with family, it gives you the perfect start for the rest of the week. It would also be able to strengthen your foundation as a family.

Have weekly family activities

Family movie nights are a perfect example of a weekly family activity to bond together with your children. This way, it excites them to get to spend time with you while watching a good movie and some popcorn. After the movie, you could even talk about the story’s premise and plot twists over some ice cream or during the drive home.

Another good activity could be family game nights, which is also really engaging, especially since children always love playing games. You could always find a good activity the whole family can enjoy. What’s important is the time you spend and memories you share with your children.

Put down your gadgets

In this digital age, it’s ironic how easy it is to be so disconnected on a personal level with our loved ones, seeing that we’re so caught up with our phones and our work. 

Disconnecting from your gadgets for a period of time is a good New Year’s resolution to follow because it gives you control of the time you spend with your children, without distractions. Putting your phones aside, whether in meals or in activities, means you’re putting all your focus on your kids instead of talking on the phone, reading emails, or catching up on social media.

Truth be told, is it more important to know that a girl you went to high school with is “feeling blessed” with another designer purchase than knowing and paying attention to your kids?

Always go to their school events

We do get it. Sometimes, work is so hectic that you can’t participate in your kid’s school events. However, attending events, which involve your children would make them feel like you’re not only supporting, but you want to get involved in their academic life, as well.

Whether it be a sports event, a parent-teacher conference, or a recital, being there for your children gives them security in knowing that you care about how they’re excelling and succeeding, even in their small accomplishments and involvements. 

Conclusion

In the end, keeping New Year’s resolutions would always be one of the most challenging things in this world. After all, everything around us is constantly changing, and being consistent with these resolutions can be really tough to keep for an entire year. But, it’s important to remember that keeping these have long-term benefits in your family life. 

Doing these won’t be easy. It’s going to be a struggle, and there may be times when you would forget why you’re doing these in the first place. However, your family, and you yourself, would change for the better upon doing these. 

Never give up on your resolutions, especially knowing that your family and children are the most important aspects in your life. And, constantly doing and keeping these throughout the year gives a certain satisfaction, knowing that you’re trying to be a better parent every day.

It’s going to be hard, but as you witness the outcome of your resolutions, with your children growing up into loving, confident, and wholesome people, you would then realize that all the challenges were worth it. 

In addition, once doing these resolutions becomes a habit, it won’t feel like a challenge anymore! It’s going to eventually be natural for you as a parent, to the point that when you miss out on just one of these, you would feel as if something’s missing. 

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“Happy New Year” Family Quotes to Think on This Year

By Gathered Again

New Year’s is one of the most reflective and awaited time of the year. You get a clean slate, a chance to grow closer to God and to each other, a fresh start to make things right. 

This occasion is even more special when you share it with family. Whether you have a united family, a rocky relationship, or a hurting household, it is important to remember that New Year’s is an opportunity to spend time and start afresh with your family members. This is also the most opportune moment to take care of any unresolved matters this year and pray together for a wonderful year ahead. 

The start of the year is a time for family, for reconciliation, and for a fresh start. To inspire and excite you more for the coming new year, here are some family quotes and Bible Verses about family to think about this New Year! 

New Year Quotes About Family, Home, and Love

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13

Home is where you are loved the most and act the worst.

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life

Lisa Weed

There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of humans, are created, strengthened and maintained.

Winston Churchill

We all make mistakes, have struggles, and regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are now with the power to shape your day and future.

Steve Maraboli

The informality of family life is a blessed condition that allows us all to become our best while looking our worst.

Marge Kennedy

If there is a chance of getting something that will make you happy, risk it. Life is too short, and happiness is too rare.

A.R Lucas

Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.

Brad Henry

Ohana’ means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

Lilo and Stitch (movie)

We may have our differences, but nothing’s more important than family.

Coco (movie)

Someday I hope to love everyone including my kids, husband, family, and friends so very much more, and with so much depth that there’s no distinguishing love from itself.

Kelly Corbet

What a beautiful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.

Annie Frank

Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life. Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever.

Neil Gaiman

At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.

Barbara Bush

The home should be the treasure chest of living.

Le Corbusier

In time of test, family is best.

From a Burmese proverb

Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

It didn’t matter how big our house was; it mattered that there was love in it.

Peter Buffett

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

Edith Sitwell

Everyone needs a house to live in, but a supportive family is what builds a home.

Anthony Liccione

The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.

Thomas Jefferson

What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.

Mother Teresa

Be always at war with your vices and peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better person.

Benjamin Franklin

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Another fresh new year is here
 Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, to love and laugh and give!

William Arthur Ward

Family is like branches on a tree, and no one will grow the same direction, they will grow in different directions. But our roots remain the same. 

Unknown

As this year is ending, I wish all the negativity and difficulties come to an end this year and bring success and desired results for you and your family.

Unknown

Life consists of ups and downs, but thanks to you, the downs don’t feel as terrible. Your love and support had been priceless. I hope that someday I will give you as much as you’ve given me. Happy New Year, family!

Unknown

The view is better outside of your comfort zone. This new year, it is time you check it out. 

Unknown

Years come and pass, but what has made it worthwhile is the unconditional love, beautiful memories, and zest offered to live them fully. You have given me all of these much more this year and I know there will be more to come from you. 

Unknonwn

Let’s leave our sadness, regrets, and worries behind. Let us fly through life like birds, leaving everything that we need not carry. Life is fantastic, magical, beautiful. Enjoy it! Happy New Year.

Unknown

When the midnight bell rings, let it signify new and better things in our lives, let them be the meaning of fulfillment of all the most beautiful dreams, let them signify a year of faith and courage. 

Unknown

New Year’s Eve, the last day of the old year, the best time to look back at all the memories, cherish the most precious one, and welcome New Year’s; let them be joyful and promising!

Unknown

No one can go back in time and change what has happened. Work on your present to make yourself a great future.

Unknown

“
and a Happy New Year!”

New Year is perhaps the most reflective time of the year. This is so because you can reminisce in the past and see how much you have grown as a person. Especially this coming occasion, it is fundamental that you spend time with your family as you can be with the ones you genuinely love.

Your family are the people that would stick with you through thick and thin, so this coming New Year’s, allot more time to celebrate and prioritize them. 

As the new year comes and brings you new hopes and dreams, please leave the sad days in the past and may it be full of joy and love with your family, Happy New Year!

Christian New Year Resolutions and Faith Goals for 2020

By Gathered Again

The new year signifies a lot of things for many people. For most, it symbolizes a fresh start, a new hope, a second chance. This is where making resolutions and goals come in. We often make a list of things we want to change and goals we wish to achieve for the coming year.

Did you know that 60% of the human population make New Year’s resolutions? That’s a lot! And among those people, only about eight percent make it until the end. Now, that’s a big gap ratio. So if you’re among those unsuccessful 92%, and you want to change your success rate, you might be wondering what went wrong. 

First off, people who effectively stuck with their resolutions understood that commitment is key. Everyone knows that change isn’t a one-time-big-time thing. It is a gradual process that requires a person’s strength, willpower and, above all, faith to take the necessary actions to achieve those goals they have set. 

Setting Up Your New Year Resolutions and Faith Goals

When making your resolutions and goals, it is important to consider some factors in order to successfully keep them until the end. 

Ask About Your Motivation

Ask yourself, “Why do I want to achieve this? Is it for vanity and other worldly reasons or is it for the improvement of my physical, mental, social, emotional or spiritual self?” 

Remember that when making a decision to change, it’s important to look into your heart, and ask the why of it. God looks into our hearts, and when our motivation is pure and in the right place, our goals are blessed and have more value, making them more rewarding to achieve.

Ask If Your Goals are Feasible

When setting your resolutions and goals, it’s equally important to ask yourself if it is realistic. Most people set their goal too high, to the point that it is impossible to achieve because the actions needed surpass the person’s limit. Let’s face it, our goals are only as good as our capability to commit to them.

Make sure that if you make your New Year’s resolutions for next year, they are realistic and within what you can do.

Ask If Your Goals are God-centered

Just like asking yourself about your motivations, you also need to ask if your resolutions and goals align with God’s will for you. Does it honor God? Do you think it aligns with His purpose for you? The only way to know is to pray about it.

Lift Them Up to God

In John 15:4-5, it says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This literally means that without God, anything we do is futile, and we can’t do anything without him. As said before, more than strength and willpower, faith is equally–if not more–necessary and powerful in fulfilling your goals and resolutions. 

This New Year’s, lift them all up to God. Trust that He will guide you throughout this change you want to achieve, and have faith that He will help you throughout this journey. That’s why it’s called faith goals, right?

Goals and Resolutions for Your Faith and Spirituality

Now that you have your New Year resolutions and faith goals figured out, here are some that would help you improve your self and relationships as Christians.

Make Time for God

In every relationship, it’s important to spend some quality time with the other person, and our relationship with God should be no different. In our fast-paced world, we often neglect or overlook getting to know God or hearing what He has to say because we’re so busy with our lives. But, it shouldn’t be that way.

This new year, reconnect with God by making time for Him–make time to read the Bible and say a prayer or just sit in a moment of gratitude. It doesn’t have to take as long as an hour–that would be impractical and harder to commit to. Instead, devote a constant and specific time in the day wherein you could sit with God for ten to twenty minutes (or however long your schedule permits you). You could even do it when you’re doing a passive task, like showering or folding the laundry or even when you’re having dinner by yourself.

Invest Time and Reconnect with the Church

You may be a passive church-goer or you may have found yourself not going to church as much as you used to, either way, this new year, it’s time to change it. 

If you’ve been going to church but you haven’t made the effort to connect with a small group or other church-goers, now’s the time to commit yourself to meeting and getting to know them. Church isn’t just about sitting and listening to the sermon for an hour, then going home. It’s about connecting with people and sharing the word of God. 

Join a Bible Study or Small Group

As stated above, going to church means connecting and sharing the word of God with others. Part of your journey and growth in God is to share insights and knowledge about Him and the Bible. Find out if your church has Bible study groups you could join in, and if not, it won’t hurt to start your own!

Invite a Friend to Church

Oftentimes, there’s a stigma that goes with being a Christian or a church-goer; some of us even get scared or shy to invite friends to go to church with us. Whether it’s because we’re afraid of rejection or afraid of being judged or deemed uncool, it still means that we haven’t tried our best to share the word of God. 

It’s time to step into the new year without that reservation. Have courage, and ask your non-Christian friend to church. If they say no, rest in the knowledge that you did what you could, and that it doesn’t reflect on you. Plus, this is your chance to be braver.

Read the Bible Daily

There are always new lessons you can learn from studying the Bible more closely. Dedicate yourself this year to spending more time in His Word.

If you don’t already have a daily Bible reading app on your phone, download one now. YouVersion has a great one that gives you a single verse a day to read. It also keeps track of your reading streak, to help you remember to read each day.

Goals and Resolutions for Yourself

Everyone wants to better themselves. These resolutions focus on the things you can do through the coming year that will restore your inner peace and help you focus more on your faith goals.

Volunteer

Volunteering is such a fulfilling experience that makes the heart feel lighter. There’s just something gratifying when you’ve volunteered. It’s not only good for you, but it’s also beneficial for and appreciated by other people. 

For the new year, show God’s love by sharing your blessings, and in turn, being a blessing to others. 

Let Go of Resentments and Misfortunes

Whether you’ve been hurt, have been wronged, or have been cast down in the past years, leave them all once the new year begins. Of course, this is easier said than done, but just like the other resolutions, it takes commitment and work. 

However, just by letting yourself release all those resentments and burdens is already half the task done. Letting go is a process and it may take time, but as long as you’re willing to be happy and to surrender, you’re already victorious.

Be More Grateful

A life of gratitude is so much more fulfilling than a life of entitlement. Oftentimes, we take for granted the things we’re given, especially the small, mundane things. This may cause us to be entitled, and ask for bigger things we think we deserve. 

Why not let go of that mindset, and be more grateful instead? As a Christian, let’s stop sulking and blaming God when we haven’t been given the things we’ve asked for. But rather, let’s be grateful for what we already have been given. When you focus on what you already have and the goodness you’ve experienced, you get to appreciate it more and, in turn, everything seems better.

Consume Healthy Content

Just like what we do for our physical body, in which we consume healthy foods, it is also important to consume healthy content for our souls. Make it a habit to listen to Christian music and podcasts, listen to or watch encouraging talks on what you could do to make a positive impact in the world, watch inspirational movies, and many more. The important thing is to consume soul-healthy content to encourage you to be a better and more godly person.

Have Time for Yourself

If you’ve neglected yourself the past year, make it a goal to take care of yourself this new year. Doing self-care goes beyond pampering yourself; it includes making time to understand yourself, listening to your mind and body, reflecting on your other goals and desires, and sitting with your emotions. 

Looking at your inner self is just as important–if not more–as taking care of your physical body. The latter is just the cherry on top.

Goals and Resolutions for Family

It’s a new year, and a new chance for your family to bond and grow closer to God. Here are a few Christian New Year resolutions to share with your family this year!

Be a Better Family Member

It’s a broad, vague resolution, but if you look closely, it’s actually clear and simple. Be a better family member. The actions needed for this resolution depends on your role in the family. So, ask yourself how you could improve your relationship with all your family members. 

The key to this resolution is to be specific. You could list down three to five specific actions and changes you could enact to achieve this goal. 

Volunteer as a Family

If you’ve tried volunteering by yourself, the experience is twice more fulfilling when it is done with the family. Encourage them to volunteer with you to teach them the value of generosity and sharing God’s love to others.

Establish Family Bonding Time

You don’t have to go all out when thinking of a weekly or monthly activity to do with your family. A simple game night or family movie night would suffice. 

The important thing for this resolution is to bond and be connected to your family members; to know and catch up with them, and to build a tradition or habit that everyone could look forward to every time.

Eat Dinner Together

For busy parents, listing this as one of your resolutions is a good thing. Mealtime is when we catch up with one another and talk about how each other’s day went. Not only does this activity bring the family closer, but it is also important for the children’s growth.

Spending this extra little time together each day, or at least when possible, will give your family more time to connect with each other. Use this time to talk to them about their passions, their fears, and their faith.

Pray as a Family

Praying as a family more is a wonderful Chrisian New Year Resolution. If you haven’t been praying together with your family, the new year may be a good chance to start.

Pray together before school and work in the morning, say a prayer together at bedtime, or even pray during the Sabbath day. No matter what time of day or day of the week, praying will help your family bond together and grow closer to God.

Conclusion

We know that keeping a New Year’s resolution can be hard to do. Most of us forget the reason why we’re doing it by the second or third month of the year. However, don’t lose hope and don’t give up just yet; this year may be different. 

As we said above, it’s important to set your resolutions and goals with God in mind. Lift them all up to Him, and trust that He would help you cross your bridge with flying colors. This new year, make your resolutions with these words in mind, ‘Ask your why’s and have faith.’ 

Happy New Year Prayers (Prayer for Blessings, Family, New Year in School)

By Gathered Again

With the passing of every Christmas comes the turn of the New Year. Are you ready for that number to go up once more? Some people feel like nothing is really different. Still, a new year is a new door opening to many new opportunities.

Kick It Off With Prayer

Saying a prayer–whether it’s to yourself, with your family, or with a whole party of people–is an excellent way to kick off the new year. Prayers can set the mood for positive changes and encourage good behavior, which is always the way to start anew!

Why wouldn’t you want to start a new year without saying a prayer first?

Tips for New Year Prayers

Blessing the resolutions 

Chances are you have set a few goals or resolutions. They are often (conveniently) forgotten about after the first couple of weeks of January. Don’t let yourself be that person. Commit to change, ask for God’s help, and stick with it. He’ll help if you allow Him.

Pray for strength 

What is it going to take to get you to stick with your guns? Strength and willpower. Who can help you find that within yourself? God. So just ask.

Tell Him your goals 

Whether it’s just you or there’s a room full of people, make your intentions loud and clear. Declare it. The more you put it out there, the more “real” it would feel, thus making it easier for you to accomplish what you are aiming for.

Pray temptation away 

If your goal is a healthy diet, He won’t be able to hide the chocolate cake at the supermarket. But he might just be able to help you overlook it instead!

Pray for others 

If this prayer is said aloud at a party or family gathering, pray for those who are with you. Ask for them to be given strength to accomplish their New Year resolutions, as well.

Safe travels 

Again, if this is at a group gathering, don’t forget to pray for their safe travels home. We know many intoxicated people are on the road around this time (pray for those people, as well).

Prayers Requests for the Family

Praying for your family is just as important as praying for yourself. No matter how far apart you may be from your family, it’s equally as important to pray for your whole family. If you’re together for the celebration, then even better!

Good health

As a family, you’d want for every member to be in good health condition. It is essential to know that the source of our strength and good health is God. So, as a new year starts, ask Him to keep your family healthy in mind, body, and spirit . . . and don’t forget to thank Him for the good health He’s given the past year, as well. 

Keep the focus on God

The family that prays together stays together. During your New Year’s prayer, don’t forget to include God in it, too. Ask for His guidance to keep you and your family’s focus on Him. Keep Him at the center of your relationships. It’s easy for us to be distracted and focused on other things, and asking God to walk with your family is an excellent way to start the year!

Family unity and strength

Even though your family is more than cohesive, it’s still best to pray for a stronger and more united bond with one another. You never know what the new year would bring, and asking God to bless the family with more solidarity can help with whatever obstacles life may bring. Speak blessings over your family. On the other hand, if your family is having problems or is in a fragile state, it’s all the more reason to ask for God’s blessing of unity, strength, and even reconciliation. 

God’s peace

In the chaotic hustle and bustle of life, it’s hard to find serenity and peace. Especially if you’re a family with little ones, home life may tend to add to the frenzy. And, no one wants a home in an uproar on top of a hectic work life, as this may end in a disrupted family relationship. So for this new year, ask for God’s peace, not only for yourself but for the sake of your family, as well. This kind of calm sets in one’s heart and can be felt amidst the chaos.

Asking for protection

Family safety is of topmost priority. Of course, you’d want everyone in your family to be safe–your parents, partner, children, even your siblings, and cousins. So, it’s good to include God’s protection for the whole family in your New Year’s prayer, that He would keep you all safe and sound.

Prayer for the past year

A new year also means an end of another, that a year has gone past. And, before you start this year, give a moment to say a thanksgiving prayer for the last year you’ve gone through. Thank the Lord for the blessings your family has received, the moments you’ve shared with them, and even the challenges you’ve all overcame together. Lift them all up to God and give thanks, to close the year, and welcome another.

Sample Prayers for the New Year

If you would like a sample New Year’s prayer, here are some that take into account most of the tips and prayer requests above:

A Prayer for Strength and Safe Travels

Heavenly Father,

I’d like to thank you for this opportunity to start anew in the upcoming year. It is because of you that we navigated safely through this past year, and we are in a blessed position, welcoming another year ahead of us. 

We, as a family, Lord, know that we are so blessed. We pray for strength to get through the hardest parts of the year, and the many adjustments we would be making. We pray that should temptation stumble upon our path, we could simply look away, remembering, and desiring every goal we have set. 

We also ask that you keep everyone here out of harm’s way, and keep us safe in our travels back home. We know that nothing we do compares to your glorious work, but we strive to be like you in everything we do. Let us start this new year off the right way, and that is by talking to you, Lord God.

In your name, we pray, Amen!

A Short Prayer for Safe Travels

Dear Lord,

As we set out on our travels, I just want to take a moment to pray for the safety and wellbeing of each person. I pray that you guide us safely, keep us out of danger, help us avoid bad weather, prevent us from getting lost, and get to our destination safely.

We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer of Blessings for the New Year

Dear God,

I pray for a renewing of our minds, bodies, and spirits. I pray that you pour your abundance out upon each of us. I pray for an abundance of mercy, an abundance of grace, and an abundance of forgiveness.

I pray your blessings over each and every person here, and those who couldn’t be here with us. In your Word, it says, “you do not have because you do not ask God.” It also says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” Lord God, I ask that you help us with our motives, and with corrected motives, I ask that you pour your blessings upon us.

You know our hearts’ desires, and I pray that you bless us with them in such a way that they do not burden us or our relationship with you, God. You know what is best, all we can do is ask, and hope that our hearts are correct and proper. If they are not Lord, then please help us. Whatever the blessings we desire to be, I pray they carry forward, healthily, into the coming year. Thank you for this past year.

We ask these things in your name. Amen.

Prayer for New Opportunities

Dear Heavenly Father,

You make all things new, and I thank you for that. I humbly come before you to ask for new opportunities. I ask that you pour an abundance of new opportunities on me, whether it be opportunities for time with family, job prospects, new clients, or business ventures.

Please prepare my heart, my mind, and my attitude for the new opportunities you have in store for me, Lord. Grant me discerning eyes, wisdom, and knowledge to identify the opportunities you place before me. Help me avoid the world blinding me from the blessings and opportunities you would have for me.

I ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer for New Year in School

Dear God,

I pray for wisdom, knowledge, and motivation in the coming school year. I pray that my teachers and peers are kind and understanding and that I forge new, strong connections.

I pray that I find joy and interest in my studies and excel in everything that I do. Help me to exceed expectations, complete all of my work ahead of time, and prioritize study time responsibly.

In addition to my studies, I pray that the next year of school is a fulfilling, and immersive time full of great memories and positive life-changing experiences. I ask that you help me be faithful to you, and bring people into my life that hold your Word as highly as I do.

I ask these things in Your name. Amen.

Prayer for the Past Year

Lord God, 

We thank you for everything that has happened this past year. We are truly grateful for all the blessings and opportunities you have bestowed upon our family. All the praise and glory goes back to your name, O Lord. 

We are also thankful for the challenges and trials you’ve given us, God. We know that you never give us tests we wouldn’t overcome, and we know you give them to make us stronger. And for that, we are grateful we came out stronger, wiser, and more unified as a family. 

We thank each and every member of our family, and we are grateful that you’ve gifted us with their existence. We are also thankful for the times and memories we’ve spent with them this past year, so we could forge an everlasting connection and love with each other. We are also grateful for the grace you’ve shown us by keeping everyone safe and healthy.

We lift the past year up to you, Lord Jesus, and we would like to lift this upcoming year to you once again. We pray that you walk with us and be the center of our family this year, like the other years before. 

This we ask in your name. Amen. 

New Year Family Prayer: Strengthening, Protection, Gratitude

Dear Lord God,

Thank you for bestowing upon our family a new, fresh year. We praise and glorify you for your goodness and grace, and we would like to lift this year up to you. May you be the center of this family this year, as the previous years have been. We ask that you walk with us, O Lord, wherever the year would take this family. 

We humbly ask for your protection, Lord God. Please drive us away from harm, and keep your children physically, mentally, and spiritually secure and healthy. May you cover and protect us with your most precious blood. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to pray for the strengthening of this family’s bonds. May this year be a time for all of us to have an even deeper and more unified relationship with one another. Give us peace within our hearts and minds, so we may be able to listen to and understand each other better. 

We also thank you, Lord God, for all the blessings you’ve given the past year. Thank you for the blessings that have yet to come. We know that you will never forsake us, and we are grateful, no matter what may happen. We give thanks for the shelter above our heads, clothes on our backs, and food on our table. 

May you bless this food we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

New Years Prayers and Blessings Wrap-up

Whatever your need, blessings, new opportunities, school, work, family, parenting, forgiveness, relief, healing, renewed strength- God can hear it. All you need to do in a New Year’s prayer–like any other prayer–is just speak the truth and pray with all your heart! We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!