This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jer. 9:23-24 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, thank you for all the grace you lavished on us last year, and thank you for the gift of a brand New Year. There wasn’t a day in 2016 when you didn’t send new mercies and sufficient grace, even when we weren’t aware. You steadfastly delighted in us and rejoiced over us with singing, even when we delighted in anything else but you. Because of Jesus’ finished work, your love for us is irrepressible, immeasurable, and inexhaustible. Hallelujah!
And now, in response to the words you spoke through Jeremiah, this is our prayer for 2017. May it be a year filled with getting to know you better and serving you more joyfully. Though our desire for approval and power, riches and relationships, comfort and control will be unrelenting, may robust and intimate communion with you seize our hearts, schedules, and energy. Our only New Year’s resolution is to believe the gospel more fully and gladly.
May knowing you—in renewed and fresh ways, compel us to love mercy, work for justice and walk humbly with you this year. May we dance and suffer, work and pray, serve and love, all to your glory. Pour out your Spirit in our churches, and give us an invigorated love for our particular church families, as messy as they may be.
May we live each day this year confident of your great love, resting in your sovereignty, and filled to overflowing with hope of the gospel. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
