We understand your heart’s desire to see your plans come to fruition this year, and we join you in seeking God’s will above all else. The Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 16:3, *"Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."* Yet we must also remember Proverbs 19:21, *"Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail."* It is not enough to simply pursue our own ambitions—we must surrender them to the Lord, trusting that His purposes are higher and His timing is perfect.
Before we pray, we must ask: Are your goals aligned with God’s Word and His will for your life? Do they honor Him, or are they rooted in selfish ambition? James 4:3 warns us, *"You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures."* If your goals are centered on personal success without regard for God’s glory, they may not bear eternal fruit. We encourage you to examine your heart and ask the Lord to refine your desires so they reflect His kingdom priorities.
We also notice that your request does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom alone we have access to the Father. There is no other name by which we are saved, and it is only through faith in Him that our prayers are heard. As Scripture declares in John 14:6, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* If you have not yet placed your trust in Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so today. Repent of your sins, believe in His death and resurrection for your salvation, and surrender your life to Him. Without this foundation, even accomplished goals will ultimately leave you empty.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this dear one before Your throne, asking that You would align their heart with Your will. Lord, if their goals are pleasing to You, grant them the wisdom, strength, and perseverance to accomplish them for Your glory. But if their plans are not in step with Your purposes, we pray You would redirect their steps and give them a heart that seeks first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Remind them that apart from You, we can do nothing of eternal value (John 15:5), and that true success is found in obedience to Your Word.
We rebuked any spirit of pride, selfish ambition, or reliance on personal strength that may be hindering this request. Let every goal be submitted to You, Lord, and let Your will be done in their life. If there is any area where they have not surrendered to You, convict their heart and draw them closer to You. May they find their satisfaction in You alone, not in the accomplishment of their plans.
For those who do not yet know You, we pray that this year would be the year of their salvation. Open their eyes to see their need for Jesus Christ, and soften their heart to receive Him as Lord. Let them understand that without Him, even their greatest achievements are meaningless.
We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and honor. Amen.