As we entered 2021, we invited you to join us in prayer for the new year. Knowing that there will continue to be some dark days ahead, let’s look to the Lord who spoke light into being so that our hearts are renewed in thanks and hope. As times continue to be tough, it's important that we unite in prayer to ask for guidance, perseverance and hope as we face a new beginning.
18 January: Perseverance
A prayer for perseverance, inspired by Romans 12:12, Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 3:10, and Revelation 21:5
Almighty Lord,
Please help us to rejoice in hope and be patient in tribulation.
It is a joy to know that you are sovereign over our suffering. As we reflect on the year behind us, with all the failures, frustrations, sickness and sorrows of 2020, we recognise your faithfulness. You have helped us persevere. You have strengthened us and held us up with your victorious right hand. We thank you.
Lord, help us to trust your promises in the months ahead. Give us faith to believe that you are working in our suffering to make us more like Jesus. Shape us into people who rejoice in the promised hope of heaven with our saviour.
Make us people who, even in our tears, eagerly await the day when you will make all things new.
In our saviour’s name we pray, amen.
11 January: Mercy and comfort
A prayer for God’s mercy and comfort, inspired by 2 Corinthians 1:3, Psalm 46:1 and 1 Peter 5:7
Our God in heaven,
We come to you, knowing that you are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
2020 was a unique and challenging year, but in times of uncertainty you drew close to us. Even when we had nowhere else to turn, you have always been a very present help in trouble. For this we thank you.
Please continue to shower us in mercy and comfort as we move forward in 2021. Comfort all those who are distressed. Comfort all those who are isolated. Comfort all those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Comfort all those who feel as though they have no hope. Comfort us, by your Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that you love and care for us.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.
4 January: Grace
A New Year’s prayer to the God of all grace, inspired by 1 Peter 5:10, Romans 8:15 and Romans 15:13
Our Father in heaven,
You are the God of all grace. You sent Jesus to rescue and restore us. Even in this last year of sickness and struggle, frustration and fear, you have showered us with blessings. You are the Lord, the creator of the universe, and yet, you invite us to call you our Father. We praise you for your sustaining grace in 2020.
As we begin a strange new year in various states of lockdown across the UK, we ask that you continue to show us grace. Give wisdom to our politicians as they make weighty decisions. Bless our medical professionals as they care for the sick and vulnerable. Be close to teachers and employees, the sick, the bereaved and forgotten. Guide our church leaders as they lead and shepherd your people in the days ahead. Somehow in all your greatness and goodness be near to each one of us in the ways we need you most.
Father, we ask that you help each of us delight in your grace in this new year, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope. And may we carry and share this supernatural and countercultural abounding hope of Jesus Christ in all we say and do. We ask this for the sake of your honour and glory, now, throughout 2021 and forevermore.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
