When a door closes, a new one opens for us. As we end another year and begin a new one, we often feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. We look forward to what this new year will bring us. At the same time, we feel anxious because we do not know what lies ahead for our loved ones and us.
New Year is an opportunity for us to reflect on everything that transpired in the previous year. As we close this year, let us also look back at how God has worked in and through us. It is an opportune time to revisit even the difficulties and challenges we encountered, as these, too, helped us become better individuals.
As we begin a new chapter in our lives, let us not forget to turn to God and continue to ask for His guidance and grace for the incoming year. Indeed, we have no idea what this new year might bring to our doorstep. That is why let us confidently entrust ourselves to the love and protection of the Almighty.
Prayer for a Blessed New Year
Lord, God of all seasons, You hold all things in Your mighty and powerful hands. In You, everything exists and is sustained. You hold the time and seasons in our lives. You are our Most High God who guides all of creation.
Lord, we thank You for this ending year. In truth, it was not a smooth one. Problems and difficulties came and went. Trials and challenges visited our loved ones and us. But through all of these, You never abandoned us. In all of these, You accompanied us with utmost patience and love. As we conclude this year, we look back at all the marvelous deeds You have shown us. Thank You, Lord, for journeying with us all throughout this year.
O God, as we await the coming of this New Year, our hearts are filled with excitement. We pray for more opportunities for learning and growing. We eagerly hope for more lessons and avenues for growth in all aspects of our lives.
Lord, this New Year also makes us anxious as to what it will bring us. We do not have even the slightest clue of what the future holds for us. Despite our worries and anxiety, Lord, we put our hope in You. Help us put our confidence in Your providence and care. Ease our worried and troubled hearts. Help us always remember that You are and will always be our constant guide and refuge.
We pray for good health for our loved ones and us. Shield us from sickness, physical, mental, and spiritual. Keep us from any harm, accidents, or disasters.
We pray for our jobs and finances. May we never lack what we need or fall into an extravagant lifestyle. May You continue to bless us so that we, too, can bless others in their needs.
We pray for our studies. May this New Year bring us more wisdom and lessons that we can bring to fruition as we grow older. May we grow in knowledge and love of You.
We pray for our families and loved ones. May this New Year renew their enthusiasm and hope. Please bless them with the graces they need every day.
As this New Year begins, dear Lord, be with us as You always are. This New Year is another time for us to praise, worship, and love You. Be with us every single day of this New Year.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Short prayer for the New Year
O God, most powerful and compassionate, we praise and thank You for this year that we are concluding. Thank You for all the blessings, lessons, and encounters we had with You. As we begin a new one, we humbly ask You to be with us. Guide us to the path of renewal and becoming better persons. Bestow Your blessings upon us so that we may grow in holiness all the days of this new year. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSVUE
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 NRSVUE
Prayer to Mary, the Mother of God, for the New Year
O Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ and our Mother, we honor you as the Mother of God at the beginning of each year. You are most blessed among all women to become the mother of the Incarnate God. Truly, what a privilege you have been given by God!
As we begin this New Year, we ask you, dear Mother, to pray and intercede for us to the Lord God. You are the Queen of Heaven and Earth. The Lord will never turn a deaf ear to your prayers and intercession. Hear our prayers and humble petitions.
Loving mother, this new year is exciting to me since it marks a new beginning. I have moved on from the past, but I will never forget the lovely memories or the challenging lessons I gained.
I will not be afraid of anything this year has in store for us since I know that your love for us never changes. And because you are by my side and love me, I am confident that I will be all right no matter what occurs!
I pray for my family. May God always be the focus and authority in our household. And may we always be appreciative of this wonderful gift of family.
I pray for our health. Please envelope us with your motherly love and protection. Guard us against any diseases or illnesses.
Dearest mother, when one door closes, I firmly believe that another will open because our God is ever-faithful. But I am very sure that your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, is the one thing that will never change, regardless of what happens. O Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
New Year marks new beginnings and opportunities. May we always give thanks for everything we have to be grateful for as the new year begins, including our health, our families, and our friends. It is right for us to always thank the Lord for everything we have encountered in the closing year.
As a new year begins, may we let go of our resentments, our rage, and our past suffering because these are only hindering us from seeing God in each day. Let us strive to live each day in a compassionate and godly manner. May we start the year with a compassionate heart. Let us always implore the guidance and grace of God every day. Let us keep Him at the center of our hearts. May He be the reason for everything that we think, say, and do. May we always remember that God is by our side every day, no matter the year.
