7 Prayers to Start the New YearSample

Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”

God, sometimes the pressures of life can be too much for us to handle on our own. We end up hurting those we love and causing division within those relationships. We pray to see others as you see them, your creation. We pray that when we feel stressed, angry, or frustrated, we first go to you, then trusted counselors or mentors to help us through. We pray you reveal the people in our lives that we can go to when we need guidance. We pray for wisdom to know when it's time to set a boundary but never forget the grace you have offered all of us. We pray that this year is a year where once broken relationships are restored, pride is swallowed, and forgiveness is offered. While this world encourages bitterness, you encourage freedom; we pray to seek you and be a shining light like this scripture tells us we are. We love you, Amen.

If there is something you are holding onto that is causing bitterness in your heart, release that to God now. Start off your days praying he calms your heart until you can feel genuine peace and forgiveness to move on.