Choosing a Word for the New Year

As 2025 draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the year behind us - what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, and where we’ve seen God’s faithfulness. It’s also a natural time to look ahead and consider what God might want to do in us in the coming year. 

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This past year, we’ve focused on becoming a people of prayer - learning to slow down, listen to God, and be shaped by His presence. 

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As we look ahead to the new year, one simple but powerful way to enter the new year with intention is by prayerfully choosing a word of the year.

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A “word of the year” is a single word or phrase that captures what God might want to form in you in the coming season. It’s not another resolution or goal, but an opportunity to seek the Lord’s direction and stay attuned to His Spirit throughout the year.

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You may even notice that God has already been highlighting a word or theme to you, something that keeps surfacing in your prayers, words that pop out to you during your Bible reading time, or that you keep thinking about in conversations. Pay attention to those repetitions; they’re often the Spirit’s gentle invitation to lean in.

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Maybe your word will be something like peace, trust, hope, or rest or perhaps something more specific, like abide, renew, or serve. Whatever it is, the goal is not to choose a perfect word, but to be more present as you allow this word to draw you closer to God throughout the year.

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As you begin to pray and reflect, you might ask:

• Lord, what do You want to grow in me in 2026?
• What do I need to let go of as this year ends?
• What truth do You want to plant deep in my heart for the year ahead?

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Once a word begins to stand out, look for a verse or passage of Scripture to go with it, something that anchors your word in God’s Word. For example if your word is Peace, you might meditate on Philippians 4:6-7 or if your word is Courage, Joshua 1:9 might be an encouragement to you. 

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Write your word and verse somewhere you’ll see them often; in your journal, on your mirror, or as a note on your phone. Revisit them in prayer throughout the year, asking God to show you how He’s working that word into your heart and life.

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May this simple practice help each of us continue to listen, grow, and walk more closely with God in the year ahead.

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And next week, on January 4, as we return to church in person, bring your Word. We’ll be writing them down so we can see how God is going to move in 2026!

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Download and print this guide here.

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