As we reflect on the past year, and consider the new year that is upon us, here are 21 prayers I have for God’s people in the year ahead.  In no particular order and not an exhaustive list of prayers: 

May the Lord and His name alone be glorified in and through us.  Not to us oh Lord, but to your name be all the glory because of your love and faithfulness.  Psalm 115:1.

May we delight in your Word, Lord, and welcome its sanctifying truth in our hearts and lives.  Psalm 119, John 17:17.

May we be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting and be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.  Titus 3:2.

May we humbly live other-oriented, loving one another deeply as brothers and sisters, forgiving for Jesus first forgave us, seeking to outdo one another in showing honor, for love covers a multitude of sins.  Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:1-5, Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Peter 4:8.

May we understand how truly fragile and quick this earthly life is, for only the Lord knows what tomorrow will bring.  James 4:14.

May we pay careful attention to how we walk and live, making the most of the time we have been given.  Ephesians 5:15-16.

May we rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer, share in order to meet the needs of others, and pursue hospitality.  Romans 12:12-13.

May we live with living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and reject false hopes that are earthly and temporary.  1 Peter 1:3-12.

May we grow in understanding what it means to grieve with those who grieve and empathize with those who suffer.  Romans 12:15.

May we prayerfully, clearly, lovingly and fearlessly tell of the Good News of Jesus, for His name alone has the power to save.  Acts 4:12-13, Colossians 4:2-6.

May we never take for granted the sweet gift it is to greet and gather with fellow brothers and sisters in the family of God on a weekly basis.  Hebrews 10:24-25.

May we continually ask the Lord to search us for offensive ways in us and for planks in our own eyes that need removed.  Psalm 139, Matthew 7:1-6.

May we walk worthy of the calling we have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  Ephesians 4:1-3.

May we pray for all those in positions of leadership, seeking to lead a peaceful, godly and dignified way of life.  1 Timothy 2:1-4.

May we steward the tool of social media in Jesus-exalting and God-glorifying ways, understanding that our thumbs often hold the same power as our tongues.  Proverbs 12:18, 21:23.

May we pursue to have a good reputation with outsiders, conducting ourselves honorably, living a life of good works that glorify our God.  1 Peter 2:12. 

May we pursue a life of meekness, peace, mercy, and righteousness.  Matthew 5:3-10.

May we steward the spiritual gifts and abilities the Lord has blessed us with, to serve others.  1 Peter 4:10. 

May whatever we do, in word or in deed this year, may it be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

May we intentionally and lovingly encourage one another and build each other up with words of grace.  Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

May we be reminded that it is our shared faith in Christ, alone, that deeply unites us, as fellow members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as our cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-22.