As calendars turn to a new year, many will seek a fresh start with new goals and resolutions. For believers, the new year is a great time to seek the Lord’s guidance and to pray for deeper faith. It is also a good time to pray for your heart to be more aligned with His purposes. One way to do that is to focus your prayers on what God desires—for people from every tribe and nation to know and worship Him.

Here are seven Scriptures and prayers to help you live missionally in 2025.

A Prayer of Gratitude

“… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness this past year. Thank You for the ways You have worked in my life. Through the ups and downs of life, You have never left me. I also thank You for the ways You have pursued others around the world in the same way You have pursued me. Your love for all people is incomparable. I desire to show my gratitude by telling others what you have done in my life. Help me to carry this spirit of gratitude wherever you lead me. Amen.

A Prayer for Boldness

“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” -Ephesians 6:19-20

Lord, I pray that You would give me the same boldness that You gave Paul. Help me to live as Your ambassador, proclaiming the truth of the gospel to those who don’t know it. Give me the words to say and remove any insecurities and fears I have. Help me speak the truth in love, and soften the hearts of those You put in my path so that they can comprehend Your love for them. Amen.

A Prayer for Discernment

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” -James 1:5

God, please grant me wisdom in the new year. Help me discern where You are leading and what opportunities you have placed in front of me. Give me eyes to see those who You have set before me to share Your love and truth. Guide my steps as I seek to shine Your light wherever I go. Amen.

A Prayer for Compassion

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” -Matthew 9:36

Lord, teach me to have the same compassion that Jesus had for all people. Fill my heart with compassion for the lost, unreached, hurting, and marginalized. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Help me to reach those who need to see your love and kindness with the gospel of grace. Allow Your love to be evident in my life as I point others to You. Amen.

A Prayer for Unity

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” -Ephesians 4:3

God, unify Your Church in this next year for the sake of Your glory. Move in the hearts of all believers to put aside differences and come together to make disciples of all nations. Do not allow division to hinder the work You have called us to do. May our love for one another be a testimony to the world of Your transforming power. Amen.

A Prayer for Endurance

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9

Father, give me the strength to persevere this year. When the work feels overwhelming or fruitless, remind me of Your promises. Help me to remain steadfast, trusting that You are bringing about a harvest in Your time. Encourage my heart and renew my spirit daily with the strength you pour out on me. Amen.

A Prayer for Obedience

“‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” -Matthew 28:19-20

Lord, give me the resolve to respond faithfully to Your Great Commission. Show me practically how I can participate in this mission in 2025. Open doors for me to go to the ends of the Earth or guide me in how to support those who are on the front lines of the mission field. Work through me so Your gospel reaches all nations. Amen.

Living Missionally in the New Year

As you pray these prayers, be attuned to the next steps God may place on your heart. Here are some practical ways you can live missionally this next year:

• Give: Financially support those who are taking the gospel to the ends of the Earth.
• Pray: Continue to pray for the gospel to reach the farthest corners of the globe.
• Go: Consider short-term or long-term opportunities to make disciples of all nations.

As you step into the new year, remember that Jesus has promised to be with you always. Whatever assignment the Lord has given you, you are not alone.