- Tuesday, December 24, 2024

The final week of the year can often be a time of reflection as we look back over the last 12 months and ponder what the Lord may have planned for us in the New Year.

With just few days left in 2024, at a time when President Joe Biden is preparing to leave Washington, D.C., and President-elect Donald Trump is readying his return to the White House, there are a lot of emotions swirling about.

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And so as we get ready to ring out one year and welcome the next, I want to share a touching prayer with you and one that can help frame your goals and plans for 2025.

In my role as president of Focus on the Family, a worldwide Christian organization helping to serve husbands and wives and mothers and fathers since 1977, I’m amazed at what God has allowed us to do with the generous financial gifts of our friends. As one donor recently said to me, “I trust you to run Focus effectively and efficiently so that my wife and I can do ministry through it with our giving.”

At first, his comments rocked me back in my seat, but I quickly realized he was right. We take this trust seriously and work tirelessly to make sure that every donation is used in a way that brings glory to God and advances the mission to help those most in need.

From rescuing babies from abortion to helping save and strengthen marriages to providing world-class counseling services and practical parenting advice, the ministry of Focus is clearly needed more today than when we began over 40 years ago. Our daily broadcast continues to reach over 6.5 million people each week, many of whom are exploring Christianity for the first time. Every generation has its challenges but the acute nature of today’s woes, whether it’s the rising suicide epidemic or the opioid crisis, demands a timely and practical response.

Listen to the ReFOCUS with Jim Daly podcast, where Jim digs deep and asks the hard questions to help you share Christ’s grace, truth and love.

Here is the prayer for the New Year that was written by Trevin Wax, the director for Bibles and Reference at LifeWay Christian Resources. He adapted it from the first 21 of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions.

Jonathan Edwards was an 18th century revivalist preacher. A child prodigy, he’s probably best known for his sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” He was a bold witness for Christ, and regularly challenged his congregants. His words can still minister today.

So as you set goals and make resolutions for 2025, it is always good to first seek the Lord’s direction – and pray these inspired words:

Lord God Almighty, I understand that I am unable to do anything without Your help, so I ask You to enable me by Your grace to fulfill Your will. Give me grace to do whatever brings most glory and honor to You, pleasure and profit to me, and life and love to others.

Help me to number my days, spending my time wisely, living my life with all my might while I still have breath.

Humble me in the knowledge that I am chief of sinners; when I hear of the sins of others, help me to not look upon them with pride, but to look upon myself with shame, confessing my own sins to you. When I go through difficulties and trials, remind me of the pains of hell from which You have already delivered me.

Place people in my path who need my help, and give me a compassionate and generous spirit. Fill my heart with such love that I would never do anything out of a spirit of revenge, nor lose my temper with those around me. Hold my tongue when I am tempted to speak evil of others.

Thank You for the gospel and for the hope of glory. Help me to live in light of these truths every day of my life, so that when the time of my death arrives, I will rest assuredly in You, and You will be most glorified in me.

Are you setting any big goals and dreams for next year? Framed and convicted by this mindset, the Lord is eager to use you in the days, weeks, and months to come.

Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family and host of its daily radio broadcast, heard by more than 6 million listeners a week on nearly 2,000 radio stations across the U.S. He also hosts the podcast ReFocus with Jim Daly

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