I know we sometimes make fun of resolutions because, honestly, we all know ourselves and how we have grand ideas and expectations when we make them, but our actual resolve to keep them may only last a few days. However, I do believe it is always good to take the time throughout the year to do some introspection....to repent, if necessary, and to humbly ask God to help us work on taking steps to make ourselves and our relationships better where we are able.  It seems we naturally think about these things when we approach a new year or on our own birthday (as we face a personal new year).

Here is a portion of a wonderful prayer I read this morning...I changed it from "we" to "me" to make it more personal for myself, but you can read it either way:

Dear God,

Thank you that you make all things new.  Thank you for all that you've allowed into my life this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded me how much I need you and rely on your presence filling me every single day.

I pray for your Spirit to lead me each step of this New Year.  I ask that you will guide my decisions and turn my heart to deeply desire you above all else.  I ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight.  I ask that you would help me release my grip on the things to which you've said, "no,", "not yet," or "wait."  I ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you've put within my heart.

I ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within me.  I pray you would make me strong and courageous for the road ahead.  Give me ability beyond what I feel able, let your gifts flow freely through me, so that you would be honored by my life, and others would be drawn to you.

I pray that you'd keep me far from the snares and traps of temptations.  That you would whisper in my ear when I need to run, and whisper in my heart when I need to stand my ground.

Forgive me for the times I have worked so hard to be self-sufficient, forgetting my need for you, living independent of your spirit.  Forgive me for letting fear and worry control my mind, and for allowing pride and selfishness wreak havoc over my life.  Forgive me for not following your ways and for living distant from your presence.

I confess my need for you....fresh....new....again.  I ask that you make all things new, in my heart, in my mind, in my life, for this coming year.  I pray for your refreshing over me.

Help me to be known as a great giver, help me to be generous and kind, help me to look to the needs of others and not be consumed by only my own.  May I be a lover of truth, may the fruits of your spirit be evident in my life - your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Shine your light in me, through me, over me.  May I make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes.  Set your way before me.  May all your plans succeed.  And may I reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.

To you be glory and honor, in this New Year, and forever.  In Jesus' name,  AMEN.