A New Year marks the beginning of many things. It is also the time for us to look back at all the things that happened the past year. Last year was when I declared my word would be ‘Abide‘. I haven’t decided on a word for this year yet. God has not made an impression on me yet but just like last year, I want to offer a New Year’s Prayer.

My husband and I were asked to say our Prayer of Thanksgiving for God’s Generosity at our church today during the Candle Lighting Service. I completely forgot about it and only remembered when I was about to sleep last night. I quickly wrote a prayer and had it reviewed by my husband. I felt the words were not enough so I added a few sentences just before the service. I really asked God to give me the right words to say so that we would be able to bless Him and others.

Allow me to share with you our prayer. I’m making this my New Year’s Prayer too because honestly, God has spoken to me about generous giving a few days ago. What perfect timing! Was this a confirmation? I know this isn’t all about financial giving. Frankly, I do not know what else to give because I sometimes feel we only have enough. But God is gracious. I know in my heart that He will give us more this year so we can generously give to others. I’m not saying they’d be financial blessings but perhaps more of our time, resources, talents, and faith. I’m still clueless but I have faith that God will see us through.

Prayer of Thanksgiving for God’s Generosity

Lord, we praise and thank You for all that You are. We are grateful for the kind of Father You are to us– loving, forgiving, and gracious. We thank You for your generosity. Because of you we are living in love, joy, and abundance–not only materially–but of spiritual blessings and wisdom that only come from you–more blessings of peace, mercy, and grace.

We don’t deserve these things. There is nothing we’ve ever done that will make us worthy of what You have blessed us with. We thank You for Your grace, that amazing grace that sustains us everyday.

Your Word never ceases to amaze us. Our hearts flourish of thanksgiving for Your generosity in our lives. Thank You for giving us Your Word and Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Grant us the strength and encourage our hearts–that we may bless others as you have blessed us. That we may show more of our gratitude to You through our generous offerings to our brothers and sisters. Thank You for your extravagant love and sublime generosity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!
(2 Corinthians 9:12-15, The Message)