Gracious God,
We take stock of another year gone by, and nostalgia ripples through us. A deep yearning stirs in our hearts: an ache for what was. The holidays remind us of old scenes nestled deeply in our memories from seasons past. We recall faces of beloved family and friends laughing around dinner tables, delicious aromas piping in from the kitchen, and our favorite carols playing on a loop in the background. Sometimes the ache in our hearts feels painful this time of year. We miss those who are no longer with us. For some of us, our tables now have empty seats. We ache for what was, God.
As we reflect upon 2024, we wish we could hold on just a while longer. Time is passing us by so quickly, and another year is already nearly in our rearview mirror. Oh God, we want to linger in 2024’s moments of delight; our encounters with you that filled us with awe; the valuable lessons we learned about ourselves when we faced our challenges — and overcame them. We give you thanks for all that was good about 2024. We also lift up to you all our hurt, our grief, our disappointments, our anger, and our anxieties from this past year. We confess our sins to you and ask for your help to let go of the regrets that still haunt us. As we look back on 2024, may we learn from our mistakes and seek to do better.
Holy God, give us the courage to gaze ahead into 2025. For there is another yearning in our hearts this time of year: an ache for what is yet to come. We give you thanks for the promise of new friends we will meet, new opportunities we will encounter, and new possibilities that will fill our daydreams. Fill our hearts with hope and guide our steps as we navigate this new, untraveled country of 2025. For we yearn for what is yet to come, oh God.
Whether our hearts feel heavy or light; whether we are brimming with joyful anticipation or overwhelmed with fear; be with us on the journey ahead. When the weight of the suffering the world feels just like too much to bear, Lord, we lift it all up to you. Kindle in our hearts the yearning to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you in 2025. We give you thanks that we have this blessing to start over again this year, knowing that we are not the same but that you are always our sure foundation. We are grateful that you call us again and again to be your disciples.
Direct our steps as we begin a new year and a new chapter. When we are lost, be our compass. Point us back to your Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, who seeks us and finds us when we stumble. May your Word be a light that shines for us and guides us back into your loving, healing embrace: today and for all our tomorrows.
Our hearts are aching and restless, oh Lord. We yearn for your Kingdom to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Want prayers like this prayer for the new year in your inbox? Sign up for our Monday worship resources email.
