Looking Back, Moving Forward: Biblical Steps for Reflecting on the Past Year and Praying for the New Year

It’s the end of the year and it’s the that time once again to reflect on or try as hard you can to forget about what this past year has been like. This year may have been hard. That’s likely true for most, and for some it has been an incredible year and maybe we are sad to see it go. New Year, new adventures, taxes and bills. Yee haw! For me, this year I will become a grandpa for the first time. As someone who feels like I was robbed of sonship, a failed father, I do not know if I am ready to assume a new role as grandad. Yet ready or not, time marches on, so we may as well prepare. So how do we do that?

Reflecting on the Past Year and Praying for the Year Ahead: A Biblical Perspective

As one year ends and another begins, it’s natural to pause and reflect. For Christians, this is an opportunity to evaluate our lives biblically, thank God for His faithfulness, and commit to living in deeper alignment with His will. Reflection and prayer can provide a framework for growing in Christlikeness and stewarding the coming year well. Here are three biblical steps to guide you in this process, with additional insights from selected authors.

Step 1: Look Back with Gratitude

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV).

The first step in reflecting on the past year is to cultivate gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Even in difficult seasons, His presence is constant. Take time to journal your blessings, answered prayers, and lessons learned. Acknowledge His hand in both triumphs and trials.

But What If Gratitude Feels Hard?

There are seasons when looking back at the year feels overwhelming. Perhaps unmet expectations, personal failures, or ongoing struggles cloud our ability to see God’s hand. In these moments, it’s easy to lose hope. However, the psalmist reminds us, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:5).

Choosing to hope in the Lord doesn’t ignore the challenges—it acknowledges them while fixing our eyes on His promises. Even when we don’t feel thankful, we can trust that He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

Jerry Bridges, in Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate, encourages believers to develop a heart of gratitude by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and grace in every circumstance. He reminds us that even our struggles serve a greater purpose in conforming us to the image of Christ. He also encourages us to replace despair and grumbling with faith and gratitude by anchoring ourselves in the sovereignty and goodness of God. Gratitude is not about perfect circumstances; it’s about a perfect Savior who walks with us through every season.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Stewardship

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV).

God has entrusted each of us with time, talents, and resources. Reflect on how you have managed these gifts over the past year. Were you faithful in your commitments, generous with your resources, and diligent in pursuing your God-given purpose?

Randy Alcorn, in The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving, challenges readers to view their possessions and time through the lens of eternity. He calls for a radical rethinking of stewardship, encouraging believers to invest in what has eternal value.

Ask yourself:

• How did I spend my time?

• Was I faithful in my relationships and responsibilities?

• Did I use my resources to serve others and glorify God?

Step 3: Pray for the Year Ahead

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV).

As you look to the new year, take time to align your goals with God’s will. Start by praying over specific areas of your life, such as your family, work, spiritual growth, and ministry. Invite God to shape your desires and lead your steps.

Paul Tripp’s New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional is an excellent resource to guide you in daily prayer and reflection. Tripp points readers to a truth found in Lamentations 3:22-23, that God’s mercies are new every morning, offering fresh grace and wisdom to navigate each day.

Write down your goals and submit them to the Lord in prayer. Be intentional about setting goals that honor Him, and remain open to His leading if plans need to change.

In addition to Tripp’s devotional, Esther Smith and Eliza Huie’s The Whole Life Book is a great way to engage in weekly biblical reflection and practice about all of life. You may also want to get a hold of Darryl Dash’s book, 8 Habits for Growth that takes a modern “Rule of Life” approach to personal growth in Jesus.

You may also want to get a good Journal. We recommend journals by the Laurent Paper Company

Closing Thoughts

Reflecting on the past year and praying for the new one isn’t about crafting the perfect plan or dwelling on failures. It’s about growing closer to Christ, embracing gratitude, stewarding well, and trusting God for the future.

And when it feels hard to hope—when the weight of the past year overwhelms you—remember the psalmist’s words: “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him” (Psalm 42:5). His mercies are new every morning, and His grace is sufficient for you (Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

As Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

This year, let’s step forward with hearts full of gratitude, hands open in stewardship, and minds focused on the eternal.

To help you with this reflection, we have included this handy worksheet: Yearly Reflection Guide