As the new year approaches, we often set goals for ourselves. Some of the most popular goals center around health, money, finances, and more. It is important to set measurable goals and to research and learn how to achieve them.
There are other things that are important when we focus on our goals. It’s about praying about your goals. It is always important to seek God’s wisdom regarding the goals we have set and to ask Him if there is anything specific we should focus on or accomplish. Here are some prayers to help you begin praying about your goals for this year.
general goals
Maybe you have a general goal for this year. These are not very specific goals, but general goals like “I want to lose weight this year.” I think a lot of people start this because they don’t know the details yet, and that’s okay.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that You will help me accomplish these goals this year. Please give me some specifics and let me know what you want me to accomplish this year. In your name I pray. Amen.
health
Health has always been a popular goal for people, and it should be. The Bible says our bodies are temples and we must take care of ourselves. Losing weight and other health goals such as quitting alcohol and smoking, cutting back on sweets, and cutting back on soda are all important but difficult goals to achieve. Pray to the Lord to guide you and help you with whatever you are struggling with. God wants you to be healthy and help you gain knowledge so that you can overcome these problems.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know that I am struggling on the road to health. You know all the excuses and bad habits that are keeping me from becoming healthier and my body becoming the temple it is meant to be. Please help me when I make excuses or eat the wrong thing. Please give me some information that will help motivate me and move me in the right direction. I want to be healthier and live a better life for you, my family, and my friends. Amen.
money
Money is also a goal that people focus on for various reasons. Learn how to get out of debt and save money. Some people want to learn how to make more money. Some people want to overcome an addiction to money (such as gambling), while others want to save money to buy a house or go on a dream trip. The Bible teaches us how to manage our money wisely, but sometimes we still need help.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know my struggles with money and my desire to manage them better. Let us help you find the resources you need to reach your financial goals. Please guide me along this journey and help me avoid mistakes while learning how to manage money in my own way. In the end, may I trust you more than my finances. Amen.
relationships
Relationships with others are some of the most important things we have. Friends and family make our lives so much more fun. Still, it’s possible for those relationships to stall or become long-distance due to moving. Sometimes problems arise due to disagreements. There are many reasons why our relationships work or don’t.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me in my relationships this year. Be open-minded, open-minded, actively listen and listen to help them become better friends and family members. Help me to appreciate my loved ones more than last year by giving me the right words in every situation. Please guide us and help us overcome life’s challenges together. In your name I pray. Amen.
marriage
Marriage is an adventure with many challenges. The honeymoon period doesn’t last forever, and real life inevitably begins. Still, marriage is one of the most important relationships in life, and we should pray for it every day.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know the state of my marriage. You’ll know if it’s in top condition, needs some work, or is just barely hanging on to the thread. I pray that you will help my spouse and I to have fun and be able to recognize where we need to work and be happy to do it. Please guide and help us in every way this year, so that no matter what state our marriage is in, it can only get better with your love and guidance. Amen.
mental health
Mental health has become a hot topic in recent years, and many people are struggling with it. Mental health problems can range in severity from mild to severe. Still, no matter what we are dealing with, we need to take care of ourselves and our loved ones’ mental health through prayer.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray today for my mental health and the mental health of those I love. You know what I’m struggling with, and please help me deal with my struggles. Please give me the strength to keep going when I want to give up, and don’t give up the resources I have to cope. I also pray for the mental health of my friends and that You would help them with their struggles. We live in a stressful and exhausting society, and it can take a huge toll on us. Please help us all rest and keep our eyes on you. In your name I pray. Amen.
child rearing
Becoming a parent is not for the faint of heart. Children can be wild, and teenagers can be moody. It can be difficult to know if you’re doing well, especially when faced with difficult situations. It seems like everyone has to be perfect according to social media standards, especially in the world of moms. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it has to be present.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you will get through this parenting journey. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m doing a good job. Please guide me and help me be 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 throughout their lives. Help me when a situation arises and I don’t know how to handle it. I ask for your wisdom on all things concerning my children. Amen.
faith
Growing our faith is very important. It is important that our faith is protected and strengthened because it sustains us no matter what happens in life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me grow in my faith this year. I ask that you guide and speak to me as I read your words. Point out something to me and stir in my mind what you want me to notice. Please help me expand my circle of Christian friends and pay attention to the entertainment I engage in. Amen.
fun goals
Fun goals can seem out of reach or seem like they will take forever to become enjoyable.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know how long I have wanted this (vacations, experiences, luxury purchases, etc.) and that I work hard to achieve the joyful goals I have in life. Help me to be patient and diligent until I reach my goals. Amen.
personal growth
Personal growth is also an important goal. It is good to continue to grow personally in all areas of life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know where I need to grow personally. You can see what’s good about me and where I need to grow. Please guide me and direct me to resources that will help me grow as a person and in You. In your name I pray. Amen.
With some planning and prayer, your goals are not impossible to achieve. Ask God to help you not only achieve your goals, but also what goals He has for you. With his help, you will be unstoppable.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Krisanapong Detrahiphat
Carrie Laurence is a freelance writer and author. Her work has been featured in Crosswalk, iBelieve, Huffington Post, and The Penny Hoarder. She is also the author of three children’s books, three pretty romance books, one romance novel, three poetry collections, and one nonfiction book. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and cute cat, Cupcake. For more information about Carrie and her writing, please visit www.carrielowrance.com.
