Bright colors illuminated the living room as the TV camera flipped to capture the Times Square Ball Drop. 59, 58, 57, 56, 55. Meanwhile, family members bustled around the house, partaking in the usual New Year’s Eve festivities.
With a glass of champagne here, and a glass of sparkling grape juice there, the night was full of laughter and cheer.
24, 23, 22, 21. I watched the countdown with great anticipation. 10, 9, 8. And though my body was planted firmly into the couch, the hope and promise of 2017 made my soul feel like it was about to fly right out of my body.
3, 2. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a new year.
1. And now it’s finally here. Thank you, Lord.
I’m not sure what your 2016 was like, but in my little sphere of the world, it was a tough year. Death, rejection, sickness, relational discord and violence ravaged the lives of many people I know, including myself. It was painful to watch. Painful to experience and endure. But love, joy, hope, faith and the promise of a new year remain.
I’ve been praying a lot for 2017 — for God to make beauty out of the ashes — and in those prayers I feel nothing but hope for the year ahead. Regardless of what happens this year, I’m expecting God to do some pretty amazing things. And I’m hopeful that with this fresh start, my faith will only continue to strengthen and grow. I’m hoping this for you, too.
Today, I want to invite you to feed your faith in 2017 by joining me in this 17-Day Prayer Challenge that will help you hit the reset button on your walk with Jesus. Each day’s prayer challenge revolves around one area of focus, but you can feel free to add to it as you feel led by the Spirit.
Ready to have an incredible year? Let’s get started!
Day 1. Pray that God would awaken the passion inside of you to live for Him and Him alone. Ask God to set a fire within you — a hunger for more of Him and His Word. Pray that your desire to be close to God would only continue to increase. Spend a few minutes remembering and journaling about how you felt when you first came to know Jesus. Ask God to make you feel that way again.
Please join me at iBelieve.com to read and download the rest of this prayer challenge.
Great words for the start of a new year, Lauren!
I’m blessed by you~
Melanie
Lauren- This was a timely post for me! The end of 2016 was hard for my family!
Looking forward to what God has planned in this new year!
#MomentsofHope
I’m so excited for this prayer challenge. I really want to make it a goal of mine to be fully engaged and praying this year.
I will be praying for you as you begin the challenge! May it bless you and deepen your relationship with God!
Dear Lauren, thank you so much. PRAYER is powerful because our God is POWERFUL. And I’m so thankful you are providing this for dear ladies. I don’t know if I can participate in this particular one, but I really want to be praying more along with you this year. <3
Amen! It is indeed powerful. No worries if you can’t participate right now! You can always bookmark for later and go at your own pace.
This is awesome, Lauren, I need all the help I can get – off to read the post and download 🙂
Enjoy, Kim! May this challenge encourage and uplift your heart in the same way it has uplifted mine! Much love.
A beautiful way to start off 2017, Lauren! I went over to ibelieve and downloaded the challenge. Love it!
Thank you so much, sweet friend. The challenge has been such a blessing to me, and I hope it blesses your heart too. XOXO
What a great way to start off the new year Lauren! Thank you so much for these helpful resources!!!
Thank you, dear Shannon! It’s a blessing to be able to share resources like this with all of you.
Lauren, What a great way to start 2017! There is no better way than prayer to start anything! It’s gorgeous, too!
Hugs,
Lori
I agree, Lori! Hugs to you!
This is great wisdom for the new year Lauren! You are not alone in your 2016 being riddled with trials. He’s doing a new thing this year 🙂
Praying God’s favor and blessing over you this year, dear Natalie! Hugs to you!