Scripture

Romans 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Consider

I came across a beautiful prayer by author D.A. Carson in his book, Praying with Paul.* Here are words from his prayer that I encourage you to take deep into your heart for further meditation and prayer as we move forward into the New Year:

Lord God… We ask you for your blessing, for the power of the Spirit that we may know you better and grow in our grasp of your incalculable love for us. Bless us, Lord God, not with ease or endless triumph, but with faithfulness. Bless us with the right number of tears, and with minds and hearts that hunger both to know and to do your Word. Bless us with a profound hunger and thirst for righteousness, a zeal for truth, a love of people. Bless us with the perspective that weighs all things from the vantage point of eternity. Bless us with a transparent love of holiness. Grant to us strength in weakness, joy in sorrow, calmness in conflict, patience when oppressed or attacked, trustworthiness under temptation, love when we are hated, firmness and farsightedness when the climate prefers faddishness and drift.

We beg of you, holy and merciful God, that we may be used by you to extend your kingdom widely, to bring many to know and love you truly.

Grant above all that our lives will increasingly bring glory to your dear Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

*D.A. Carson, Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2014), 203-204.