As we approach 2018, may the Lord provide you and yours with a year that’s indeed tremendously fulfilling and genuinely blessed by Him. A year of distinct spiritual growth and development, a year of increased love for all humanity, and a year with much opportunity to share the life and light of our Savior’s Gospel message.
May you be immersed in the richness and magnitude of His grace, hear His voice more clearly, know the attributes, character, and intentions of His heart more deeply, rest in His promise(s) more fully, trust Him more completely, experience His presence and worship Him more intimately, and distinguish the abundance of His many blessings more accurately!
Lord, I’m not requesting a year completely shielded from any and all pain, sorrow, difficulty, or hardship, but one in which my brother/sister, as a true believer, respectfully comprehends and unashamedly declares that Jesus Christ is their strength, their supreme helper, an impenetrable refuge (fortress, as well as shield), and incomprehensible peace. I’m also not asking You to make their path too easy, too hard, or overly complicated, but may Your plans be (become) their plans and may Your desires for my brother/sister be fully accomplished in 2018! May he/she be (become) a sturdy, steady, and faithful sojourner, with eyes fixed on things above and not things of this deceitfully deceiving world.
Now, in the powerful name that’s above every name, Jesus Christ, may fear be removed from hearts and minds, enabling my brother/sister to wholly embrace Your miraculous presence in each and every endeavors of life. Lord, please help them to continue living by faith in You, rather than the infusion of doubt and confusion brought about by the all the enemies of the Truth and Your Gospel.
In addition, may everything that hindered (encumbered) one’s spiritual walk and relationship with You be laid aside, as things of the past … anything and everything that negatively impacted my brother’s/sister’s worship, testimony, and/or service of the Lord in 2017. May they purposefully, with intention, run with endurance, as well as diligence the race of living their faith out loud! Considering with full attention that which You have set before them … Not looking back, not turning back, nor gazing to the left or to the right, but peering straight ahead with all eyes fixed upon You, JESUS CHRIST, the Author and Perfecter of faith!
Lord, you’ve given my brother/sister a brand-new year, a new start up — 52 weeks — 365 days of choices are ahead and not one of those decisions or determinations is insignificant or meaningless! Actually, help them to understand that every choice holds the potential for Your glorious name to be exalted and magnified in and through their selections. Therefore, I beseech You, and humbly plead for You to guard their hearts and minds through the uncompromising Truth of Your Word and the powerful presence of God’s Holy Spirit. Grant each one wisdom from above to do what’s right in Your eyes, courage to obey You in all things — no matter what selfless sacrifice may be required, and grant them knowledge that comes from the Omniscient One, the One who knows all things — much greater than anyone’s individual or any group’s collective experience(s).
Let each of Your faithful followers live at peace with one another, be steadfastly committed to encouraging one another, always remembering to continually pray for each other, and without restraint, minister (serve) the manifold grace of God (through the implementation and empowerment of their spiritual gift(s) and callings) to one another.
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6
May the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ spread from each of my friends to all those surrounding them in their home, at work, or at play until You have gathered us all together to meet You in the air.
This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
– His & Yours, PF
