Sometimes we need to go back and look at what we prayed. This is the post and prayer I shared earlier this year and God brought me back to it recently. After reading this, I encourage you to open your prayer journal. Look at what you prayed as the year started. Ask God to take you back to that prayer. Ask Him to show you what He’s answered and what He’s done. Also, ask Him to give you the strength to continue on in this year. Feel free to use this prayer as your own. You can also use it as a guide. Return to the anticipation of what God is going to do even though it’s past the middle of the year!

Father God,

I come to You in anticipation of this new year. A “clean slate” so to speak. Help me walk with You every single moment. Help me remember to rest and listen. May I not be so busy with things of this earth that I let our relationship lack. All relationships take time to grow and “be” with each other, and ours is the same. May I truly listen to Your guidance in all things. Whether it be where to focus that day, “when” to do something, or taking a moment to be You to those I encounter in this go-go-go world.

May I never be in too big of a hurry to share all You’ve done and Your love with others. Shine through me and let Your love, grace, and mercy be evident to all. You have already blown my mind with Your faithfulness and all You’ve done. As I enter 2025, may I truly believe You will fulfill Your promises!

I claim this verse spoken by Elizabeth when Mary arrived at her door – when both women were expecting. Elizabeth a miracle baby to her and her husband, and of course Mary with Jesus – the ultimate miracle baby!

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord” Luke 1:45

I also pray to have “faith – the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 and “Lord I believe – help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

Help me believe who I am in You. Help me believe You will always provide, Help me believe You will fulfill Your promises.

I can believe, and do believe God, You will provide on the other side of the mountain – ALWAYS!

Yet, do not let me forget the battle raging around me. The unseen spiritual warfare.

As Ephesians 6:10-18 (paraphrase mine) says – I put on all of Your armor God. I stand against the devil. I do not wrestle against flesh and blood. Instead, I fight against rulers of darkness and wickedness. I take up the whole armor You provide to withstand evil all day, every day. I put on the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (to be bound in a firm foundation of Your word); take up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of Satan, and the helmet of salvation, sword of the spirit -YOUR WORD – God. Praying always in the spirit.

May I always follow You and listen and learn to rest. Provide me grace to avoid filling my life with addictions. These include food, social media, books, TV, or anything else I use to not “feel” at all. Forgive me when I do and help me always turn back to You. I give You today, and all of 2025 and beyond. Blow my mind and may I always remember what You have done and WHO You are.

Thank you for what You will do this year!

In Jesus’ powerful Name,
Amen

If you need a devotional to battle the summer slump, grab mine. Walk through 30 days of finding peace and joy in your journey. I would be honored if you grabbed it here: Embracing the Journey: A 30-Day Devotional for Living in the Joy of Christ During this Season.

Susan

© 2025 Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC. All Rights Reserved.