The New Year is still very young. Make prayer a priority this year and watch how God will bless you! Here are three Scripture passages you can pray over your New Year!
1. Prayer of Hope
’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jer. 29:11).
The children of God had been taken into captivity in Babylon. It was the darkest day of their lives. Their nation, as they knew it, was no more. God gave them some advice – make the best of it – plant flowers wherever you land. And he gave them a promise – this too shall pass.
Whatever 2019 brings you – plant flowers, sing a song, make it better than it would have been had you not been there. And always remember … God has great plans for you!
2. Prayer of Rest
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
The yoke was the rabbi’s teachings – his method for experiencing God.
The yoke of the Pharisees was strict adherence to the Priestly Code of the Mosaic Law.
The yoke of the Essenes was strict adherence to the rules of the ascetic wilderness community.
The yoke of the Sadducees was strict and expensive adherence to the temple sacrificial system based in Jerusalem.
The yoke of Jesus was the love of God and neighbor.
Take a step back – reevaluate all your busyness – and take on Jesus’ simple and powerful yoke. Pray the Jesus way over your life and he will give you rest!
3. Prayer of Power
To him who is able to keep me from stumbling and to present me before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God my Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 24-25).
The Judean doxology was born out of suffering and persecution. You can know, ahead of time, that whatever suffering 2019 will bring you, the Lord can keep you from stumbling.
The Lord has all glory and majesty and power and will hold you in his loving arms to present you holy and righteous and healed before his glorious presence.
Pray this beautiful prayer over your life every day as a constant reminder of the ONE who holds you in 2019!
