Seeking Guidance in the New Year Through Prayer

Posted on Dec 28, 2017 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Men's Christian Living, Women's Christian Living
Posted by : Mary DeMuth

We may not see our way around the next unknown bend in the road. But Jesus does. He walks alongside us every day, giving us the hope we need to make the next decision, love the people in front of us, and practice the art of gratitude. He longs for our hearts to unfold before him.

It’s my sincere hope that my words in these prayers will echo your heart for each day of this next year…

* * *
What joy for those you choose to bring near,
those who live in your holy courts.
What festivities await us
inside your holy Temple.
Psalm 65:4

Jesus, I confess I’ve neglected to chase after you into those places where you dwell. I’ve been busy—too busy to hear from you, rest in you, receive from you.

I am sorry. Those three words seem small as I pray them, but I truly do feel the weight of them because I know I’ve missed out on being with you. Your Word says joy returns to me when you are near, but I have preferred running my own life to being still enough to experience your nearness.

I want to stop. To pause. To take this small moment and reorient my heart with yours. Amen.

* * *
Look straight ahead
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
Proverbs 4:25-27

Jesus, I get easily sidetracked, especially when life grows hairy and my schedule increases exponentially. It’s hard to learn the art of focus in my unfocused world. Still, you are my center, my rallying point.

As I go throughout my day, Jesus, give me your perspective on the tasks strung out before me. Help me to say yes to the eternal and important matters and let go of the pressing ones that don’t really count. I choose right now to take my eyes off the scattered remains of my life and place them resolutely in front of me, toward you.

Would you teach me your pathway for my life? Amen.

* * *
Do not neglect the more important things.
Matthew 23:23

Jesus, there are many unimportant things that clog my mind and inform my actions. But I want to be like Mary, who sat at your feet, choosing the truly important one: you. And in that choosing, I trust that you will reveal to me throughout the day just what your agenda is.

Help me to bless my community today. Do you want me to write a letter? Do you want me to make a phone call? Should I buy a gift or serve in a sacrificial way?

As I seek you for the people you want to bless through me, don’t let me forget you. I want to praise you in the midst of stress, fear, tasks, drudgery, and the mundane parts of life. You are important to me, Jesus, and I love you dearly. Amen.