Often, as a new year approaches, we set goals. Some of the most popular goals relate to health, money, finances, and more. It is important to set measurable goals and also to research and learn how to achieve our goals.
There is something else that is important when we focus on our goals: praying for our goals. It is always important to seek God’s wisdom on the goals we set for ourselves and also ask Him if He has anything specific we should focus on or achieve. Here are some prayers to help you start praying for your goals this year:
General objectives
Maybe you have some overall goals this year. These are goals that are not very specific but rather general like “I want to lose weight this year”. I think a lot of people do this at first because they’re not sure of the details yet and that’s okay.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you will help me achieve these goals this year. Please give me your wisdom on the details and guide me in what you would like me to accomplish this year. In your name I pray. Amen.
Health
Health is always a popular goal for people, and it should be. The Bible says that our body is a temple and we must take care of ourselves. Losing weight and other health goals like quitting smoking or alcohol, cutting down on sweets, or cutting out soda are all important but difficult goals to achieve. Ask the Lord to guide you and help you in your difficulties. He wants you to be healthy and will help you gain knowledge so you can overcome these problems.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know the things I struggle with on this journey to good health. You know all the excuses and bad habits that keep me from being healthier and making my body the temple it’s supposed to be. Please help me when I make excuses and eat bad things. Guide me to information that will help motivate me and keep me moving in the right direction. I want to be healthier and live better for you, my family and my friends. Amen.
Money
Money is another burning goal for people for different reasons. Learn how to get out of debt and save money. Others want to learn how to make more money. Sometimes people have a money addiction (like gambling) that they want to overcome, and others strive to save money for a house or go on a dream vacation. The Bible teaches us how to manage our money wisely, but sometimes we still need help.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know the struggles I have with money and my desire to manage it better. Please help me find the resources I need to help me achieve my financial goals. Guide me through this journey and help me avoid mistakes while learning to manage my money your way. Ultimately, can I trust you above my finances. Amen.
Relationships
Our relationships with others are among the most important we have. Friends and family make our lives much more enjoyable. Yet these relationships may hit roadblocks or become distant due to moving. Sometimes problems arise because of disagreement. There are all sorts of reasons why our relationships prosper or fail.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me in my relationships this year. Help me to be a better friend and family member, with an open heart, an open mind, and open ears to actively listen. Give me the right words in every situation and help me appreciate my loved ones more than last year. Guide us and help us overcome the difficulties of life together. In your name I pray. Amen.
Marriage
Marriage is an adventure with many trials. The honeymoon period doesn’t last forever and real life inevitably sets in. Yet our marriages are one of the most important relationships in our lives and we should pray for our marriages daily.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know the state of my marriage. You know if it’s the best it can be, if it needs a little work, or if it’s hanging by a thread. I pray that you will help my partner and me to enjoy the good times, recognize where work needs to be done, and be willing to do it. Please guide us and help us in every way this year so that whatever state our marriage is in, it will only get better with your love and guidance. Amen.
Mental health
Mental health has become a hot topic in recent years and an issue that so many people struggle with. There are varying degrees of mental health problems, from mild to severe. Either way, no matter what we face, we must safeguard our mental health and that of our loved ones in prayer.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for my mental health and that of those I love today. You know what I struggle with and I ask you to help me manage my struggles. Give me the strength to keep going when I want to give up and not give up on the resources I have to help me cope. I also pray for the mental health of my friends and that you will also help them in their struggles. We live in such a stressful and exhausting society that can cost us dearly. I ask that you give us all some rest and help us keep our eyes on you. In your name I pray. Amen.
Parenthood
Being a parent is not for the faint of heart. Children can be wild and teenagers can be moody. Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re doing a good job, especially when you find yourself in a confusing situation. Especially in the mom world where it seems like everyone has to be perfect by social media standards. You don’t have to be perfect, but you have to be present.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for this journey into parenthood. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m doing a good job or not. Please guide me and help me become the parent you want me to be. Give me the resources I need to raise my children to know you, love you, and follow you all the days of their lives. Help me when situations arise and I don’t know how to handle them. I ask for your wisdom in all matters concerning my children. Amen.
Faith
Cultivating our faith is very important. She supports us no matter what life throws at us. It is therefore important that our faith is protected and strengthened.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me grow in my faith this year. I ask you to guide me and speak to me as I read your word. Point out things to me and stir in my heart what you want me to pay attention to. Help me to expand my circle of Christian friends and to pay attention to the entertainment in which I participate. Amen.
Fun goals
Sometimes our fun goals can seem out of reach or take forever before we can enjoy them.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know how long I have wanted this (vacation, experience, high-end purchase, etc.) and that I work hard to achieve the fun goals I have in life. Please help me to be patient and stay diligent until I can achieve my goal. Amen.
Personal growth
Personal growth is also an important goal. It’s okay to continue to grow personally in all areas of our lives.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know where I need to grow personally. You see my strengths and areas where I need to grow. Please guide me and lead me to resources that will help me grow as a person and in you. In your name I pray. Amen.
With a little planning and prayer, your goals are not unattainable. Ask God to help you not only with your goals, but also with the goals He has for you. With his help, you are unstoppable.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Krisanapong Detraphiphat
