American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 51
ARC Prayer Meeting
There is something about one year passing and a New Year dawning that seems to inspire us to want to do better, put the past behind us, and be more hopeful. It creates a desire to improve, and seek to reset the course of our life. Of course, this gives way to the whole notion of New Year resolutions.
A resolution can be an official decision that is made after a group or organization has voted. Resolutions are policy decisions that set the rules for future business or dealings within organization to clarify vision and mission.
A resolution can be a promise to yourself to do or to not do something. It comes with the added component of determination. If someone is resolute, it is like Jesus setting His face towards Jerusalem. There is no turning back. Once the line is crossed, we let the chips fall where they will.
In reality, we probably should not call this phenomenon a New Year’s resolution; it is more like a New Year “possibility” for most. According to a Forbes Health/One Poll survey, the average New Year's resolution lasts about 3 months. However, many people give up on their resolutions early, with some studies reporting that 88% fail within the first two weeks.
What are typical New Year resolutions?
A resolution can also be the act of solving or ending a problem or difficulty.
Key Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflicts:
• Direct communication: Address conflicts directly and privately with the individual involved.
• Forgiveness: Embracing forgiveness is crucial for healing and moving forward.
• Reconciliation: Seek to restore relationships and rebuild trust after conflict.
• Humility: Acknowledge mistakes and seek to understand the other person's perspective.
• Patience and persistence: Resolve conflicts with patience and persistence, recognizing that reconciliation may take time.
For our purposes this night, it is a resolution to keep the fires burning on our commitment to being a praying church.
A New Year’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as we stand at the dawn of this New Year, We come before You with a heart full of gratitude and anticipation. We are thankful for Your faithfulness in the year past and for the promise of Your presence in 2025.
Lord, we consecrate this New Year to You. We need You to be Lord over every aspect of my life. Take our plans, our dreams, our goals, and align them with Your perfect will. We surrender all to You.
Holy Spirit, we ask for a fresh outpouring of Your power in our lives. Fill us anew, ignite a holy fire within us that cannot be quenched. Empower us to be a bold witnesses for Christ in this coming year.
Father, we pray for wisdom and discernment as we navigate the unknown paths ahead. Order our steps and direct our path according to Your will. Open our eyes to see the opportunities You place before us and grant us the courage to pursue them.
Jesus, draw us closer to You this year. Deepen our intimacy with You. Transform us into Your image with ever-increasing glory. Use us as instruments to advance the Gospel of the Kingdom in this world.
We lift up our personal goals and resolutions to You, Lord. Grant us discipline and perseverance to pursue the visions and missions You’ve placed in our hearts. May everything we do bring glory to Your Holy name.
In areas where we’ve struggled, we pray for breakthrough. By the truth of Your Word and Holy Spirit power, break the chains, shatter the strongholds, grant breakthroughs, and provide victories won in Your name, Jesus.
Father, we ask for Your protection and provision throughout this year. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Supply all our needs according to Your riches in glory.
As we step into this New Year, We trust You with all our hearts. We lean not to our own understanding. We commit our ways to You, confident that You will make our paths straight.
Thank You, Lord, for new beginnings and fresh starts. May this year be marked by Your supernatural favor, abundant blessings, and mighty works in and through our lives. In Your powerful and precious name, Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.
