2020 is one of those years that people will talk about decades from now. It will be recorded in history books, and there are more documentaries to come. It has been a year of loss, sorrow, suffering, disappointments, and a test of our faith. For plenty of people, it has been the worst year of their lives. It has been difficult to watch so many people dying daily. Many lost their jobs, so many are hurting, and some have just given up on living. It has taken a toll on the mental health of myriads, even believers. Many started the year with plans and aspirations which may have been canceled or put on hold.
On the other hand, 2020 has brought new avenues for businesses, new technologies, and new ministries. Many believers are praying more and pushing deeper into God’s presence. YouVersion Bible App has reported a record-high number of downloads, and people are listening and downloading more worship music. Even in difficult times, the Kingdom of God will advance.
As 2020 comes to an end, I am sure some persons just want to get to 2021 with the hope for a better year. However, let us take a moment to ask ourselves, what lesson/s did I learn? What am I taking away from this dreadful year? Every season, good or bad, brings with it lessons. There is usually something to learn about God, ourselves, our relationships, and life if we pay attention. God is always speaking, and 2020 was no different. What did you hear?
Let us approach 2021 with eyes on our purpose. A pandemic doesn’t cancel God’s call on our lives; our purpose still stands! Let us commit to pursuing God relentlessly, and everything else will fall into place according to His will.
Prayer for the New Year
How great is our God, and how great is his name. He is clothed with splendor and majesty. He is exalted over all the nations, and his glory is higher than the heavens. He reigns forever! His power is without bounds, and his understanding is beyond measure. He is superior to every man and god. He spoke the world into existence. He knows my end from the beginning, and his ways are past finding out. He is God, and he takes counsel from no one. Even in the darkest hour, he remains faithful. In seasons of chaos, uncertainty, and despair, he still upholds his children and brings comfort to our souls.
Lord, I thank you for taking me through another year. Thank you for sustaining me through all the hardships, fears, and disappointments. I am so grateful that despite everything happening in the world, I never lost my faith. There may have been moments when I was low in spirit, but your grace carried me through. Thank you for being my rock, my shield, and my hiding place. Thank you for providing for my family and all your blessings towards us. What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will bless him at all times; I will call on him as long as I live.
I declare that I will finish 2021 strong; I will not burn out midway through. By your grace and power, I will push to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me. I will press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God, and I will accomplish all that you have designed for me. I affirm that I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, and I am fully equipped for the battles of 2021. I declare that anxiety and fear will have no hold in my life because I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. I declare that I will go deeper in my relationship with God. I will hunger and thirst for him; I will pursue him relentlessly. Even if I get knocked down, I will rise again because the Lord is my strength; he upholds me with His righteous hand. How great it is to be loved by God. What an assurance that nothing can separate me from His love.
Adonai, I commit 2021 to you. I pray that you will break me free from every habit, relationship, and desire that is spiritually unhealthy. Lord, please order my steps in your word. I pray that my family will be blessed with good health. I pray that their hearts will be opened to the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Lord, I ask you to grant success and favor in all our endeavors according to your will. Great Jehovah-Jireh, I pray that you supply all our needs because the earth and all that is in it belong to you.
Father, I ask for a special blessing for my local church _____(name your church)_______. I pray for vision and strength for our leaders. I pray that in 2021 souls will be added to the ministry, our relationship with you will be deepened, and we will see you move as we have never done before. Help us be a light in our community and a place of refuge for the lost and hurting.
Lord, I am believing you specifically for ___________________in 2021. Move by your great power on my behalf, and according to your will. I pray that you will bless me and sustain me. Make your face shine upon me, show me favor, and grant me peace. I pray for success in all areas of my life, as I commit every area to your good pleasure. I ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Psalm 104:1, Psalm 113:4, Psalm 145:13, Psalm 147:5, 1 Chronicles 16:25, Psalm 33:9, Isaiah 46:10, Isaiah 55:8-9, Isaiah 40:13-14, Psalm 63:7-8, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 18:1-3, Psalm 116:12-13, Psalm 34:1, Philippians 3:12-14, Romans 8:37-39, 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 1:3, 1 John 3:1, Ephesians 5:8-10, Psalm 119:133,1 Timothy 2:4, Psalm 24:1, Matthew 22:37, John 14:12, Numbers 6:24-26
Amen and Amen.