Praying about my New Year’s plans

Dear Lord, 

You are great and holy.
I am in awe of you and the relationship you offer me.
Teach me to wait on you.
Give me patience and wisdom as I plan for this next year.

I want to do your will–
I want to obey your purpose for me this year
and let you fulfill your plans through me.

How do I plan and yet rely on you?
How do I plan while I wait for you?
How do I discern the difference between what should be done
and what you want me to do?

There is so much injustice in the world,
so many opportunities to do good
and so many people who need a friendly smile or a helping hand.
I am overwhelmed.

Certainly, you don’t need me to do anything,
and I can’t do everything, not by a long shot.
I feel like I do almost nothing.
But I want to do your work.
I want to make a difference.
I want my life to be about your mission and your kingdom
and not just me trying to feel good about being a good person.

Those lines blur so easily.

I’m asking you for wisdom and discernment,
for patience and temperance,
for selflessness and generosity.
Please, pour out your Spirit on me.

These qualities come with personal sacrifice,
so help me to be brave, strong, and courageous.
Help me to notice the needs around me.
Grow my faith and my resolve
and decrease my judgment and self-righteousness by sitting in your presence more than I ever have before.

Guide me and direct me toward the tasks you have for me.
Of course, I hope the path will be easy,
but I know that’s not how justice and mercy work.
That’s not how helping people works.
That’s not how the creative process works.

Oh, what am I asking for?

You.
I can only ask for more of you.
Let me be satisfied with you
and not worry about productivity and success.

Only you.

That’s my plan.
Thank you.

In Jesus’ powerful name,
Amen.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)


Related prayers:
“A prayer for my work“
“How to pray for the fruits of the Spirit (and understand what they are)“
“Prayer for the future“
“How to pray for God’s will“
“In Jesus’ name, Amen“