Dear FATHER, 2020 has been a tsunami of loss and destruction with many still struggling with the aftermath. Fear, anxiety, and apprehension permeate the air, as people hope and pray for a better 2021. Thankfully, we have this confidence that You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). You are good—a refuge in times of trouble. You care for those who trust in You (Nahum 1:7). Therefore, we ask that You give hope to those who are without hope, faith to those who are struggling to believe in Your goodness, and strength to persevere for those who are wrestling with Your sovereign will and the truth of Your Word.
We desperately need Your providential hand leading and guiding us in a world that has been turned upside down. What was once called evil is now called good. And what was once called good is now called evil. Oh God, deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever (Matthew 6:13).
Awaken our hearts to Your truth. Restore our souls and lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). Protect our lives and the democracy of America—a nation birthed as “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Give us the gifts of faith, endurance, and strength to finish the course set before us.
May we seek You even more in this approaching new year as we learn to trust in Your goodness and surrender to Your will. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven and may each who call upon Your name be saved according to Acts 2:21.
As we navigate 2021, help us to be Your vessels of light that reveal truth, honor, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is In the name of Your Son, Jesus, that we place this petition before you. Amen and amen.