A Prayer for the New Year

A prayer for the new year.

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. Corrie ten Boom

Dear Father God, 

Thank you for being my shepherd. I need a shepherd. Many times I don’t know 

which way to turn or in what direction I should take my life. I praise you that you 

know. You know and you know how to help me get there. You guide me with your

rod and staff. Please make me sensitive to your proddings. I want to stay close beside

you as I travel through this new year.  Don’t let me stray from the path you have chosen for me.

Use your rod and staff to pull me back if I get off track.

Good Shepherd, your path is so much better than any I would choose for myself. 

You lead me to perfect provision that refreshes my body and my soul. Please help 

me to choose what honors you the most and lead me there. 

No matter what I encounter this year, even though it brings darkness, despair, or illness, 

help me to keep my eyes on you. I know that you know the way through all valleys, 

even the valley of death, and can lead me safely through them all. Let your strength, 

power, and tenderness comfort me because I will not be there alone.

You are so much more powerful than my enemies. These destructive forces of fear, 

worry, greed, selfishness, and pride attack me, but you are near to me, and as I keep 

my eyes on you, I see you forcing them out of my life, and declaring to them they are 

not welcome at your table, where I sit with you as an honored guest. You enable and 

empower me to live the life you call me to live, which is the life that will bring me great joy. 

By your good design, goodness and mercy shall run after me and overtake me as long 

as I live on this earth, and then I will live with you forever in the place you have prepared.

In the name of Jesus, your son and my Savior,

Amen