Praying in the New Year
Getting 2025 Off to a Simple Start
As we begin a new year, culture will demand we hustle, set huge goals, and chase the next big thing. But what if we start 2025 with a different tone? What if we seek to anchor our year in prayer as opposed to striving?
Here at Simplify Project Co., we deeply believe that one of the most important ways to begin every new year is in prayer, aligning our hearts with what matters most: faith, family, and friends. Here are some ways we plan to have a simpler, prayer-filled beginning in 2025. And we sure hope you’ll join us!
Why Anchor Our Year in Prayer?
Prayer is more than a ritual or routine; it is a lifeline connecting us to God’s heart. By starting the year in prayer, we:
Refocus on God’s sovereignty: Reminding ourselves that at all times, God is in control.
Lay our burdens down: Trusting God with our hopes, dreams, fears, and uncertainties.
Seek God’s guidance: Letting God direct us in decisions (great & small) and priorities.
Practice gratitude: Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in 2024 and giving thanks.
Anchoring the new year in prayer gives us a foundation of peace, clarity, and purpose. It’s simply saying, “Lord, this year belongs to you.”
Practical Ways to Start the Year in Prayer
Here are five easy ways to start 2025 prayerfully:
1. Get off on the right foot. Dedicate the First Week to Prayer.
Be intentional about taking time this week to pray for the coming year. Each day, focus on one key aspect of life:
Day 1: Gratitude – Reflect on and thank God for all His blessings in 2024.
Day 2: Personal Growth – Pray for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God and his ways.
Day 3: Family – Lift up your loved ones and your relationships.
Day 4: Friends – Pray for stronger connections and opportunities to serve others.
Day 5: Work and Service – Seek the Lord’s will in your vocation and ways to honor God in the workplace.
Day 6: Challenges – Bring your fears and doubts to God.
Day 7: Vision – Ask for clarity and purpose for 2025.
2. Start a Family Prayer Practice
Take time with your family to pray aloud together. It can be as simple as sharing prayer requests over breakfast or ending the day with bedtime prayers. Let each family member contribute to strengthen unity.
3. Journal Your Prayers
Begin a prayer journal to record your prayers and praises. Writing your prayers helps you focus and provides a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness over time.
4. Choose a Scripture to Pray Over Your Year
Select a Bible verse to meditate on and pray over for the year. For example:
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Let the text serve as your guide for prayer and decisions throughout the year.
5. Keep Your Prayer Time Simple
Don’t overcomplicate things. Prayer isn’t about fancy words or formalities. It’s about connecting with God. Be guttural.
Carrying Prayer Throughout the Year
Once the year is underway, here are a few simple ways to stay in the rhythm of daily prayer:
Morning Prayer: Thank God and seek his guidance each morning before your feet hit the floor.
Prayer Walks: Spend time outdoors praying on breaks. You will get fresh air, a few extra steps, good ol’ vitamin D, and time with God. That’s a win, win, win, win.
Midday Check-ins: Pause during lunch to reset your heart and mind.
Bedtime Gratitude: End each day by reflecting on God’s blessings and faithfulness as you drift off to sleep.
A Prayer to Start the Year
Here’s a prayer you can use to get started in 2025:
Father, thank You for a new year. As we enter 2025, I surrender my hopes, dreams, fears, and uncertainties to You. Lead me in your wisdom, fill my heart with your peace, and help me to trust in your perfect timing. I pray my life reflects your love and brings glory to your name. I give you this year, Lord. Please lead me step by step. I humbly ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusion
Praying our way into the new year is one of the simplest ways to step away from the noise and really center on what truly matters most. By inviting God into every part of our lives, we set ourselves up to journey through 2025 with peace, clarity, and focus. Together, let’s make this year about faith, family, and friendships rooted in God’s love. Whaddayasay?