Embracing joy and hope: An open letter and heartfelt prayer for 2025

Dear Reader,

I don’t know what path you walked through in 2024. I don’t know the pain or the heartache or even the joys and blessings you were dealt this year.

I don’t know your middle name or favorite color or what your dreams or your resolutions for the new year are.

But I do know one thing for certain.

No matter what tragedies you have faced, grief or sorrow you have endured, or even huge life changes, there will be joy around the corner. Hold on tight to the joys in each day and hold on tight to the anticipation of more joy in the future. Because it’s coming, my friend.

New days are ahead. New opportunities are ahead. New buds of joy are about to bloom.

If you’re like me, you’re still trying to figure out how 365 days went by so quickly. I’m still processing this year myself.

As I look ahead, I look with anticipation and hope.

I pray 2025 is a year where we all can take a collective sigh of relief.

Most of all, I hope this year if you plan to make a list of resolutions, you plan to soak up every moment of joy, forgive more freely and prioritize prayer to the Creator of the Universe.

He is Our Hope. He is Our Strength. And no matter what lies ahead, He is in control and He can always be reached through prayer. There’s nothing we will go through that He cannot heal or carry us through. We simply have to lay it in His hands and give our hearts to Him.

Father, as we walk into this brand new year, let us remember to trust You always and to love each other well. May we follow Jesus’ example and do as the Bible says to “seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” Thank You for Who You’ve been, Who You are and Who You always will be. May we find peace, comfort and strength knowing You will make a way through every situation next year. May we be strong enough to let go and let You lead us every step of the way. I pray for healing for those reading this, Lord. I pray they will find peace and that they will find You if they have not already. Please empower us to rise or our potential and love our purposes by using the talents You’ve given. Please also give use peace and rest as we step into the unknown of the new year. We pray all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.