In other words it’s ok to pray to Almighty God about mundane necessities like what might be for tea. But it’s also good to learn from the Bible words and phrases and ideas from the Spirit-inspired people who wrote it.
Drawing from numerous places in Scripture here is a prayer for New Year in these uncertain times:
‘Almighty God, our Father in heaven,
We bow before You, confessing our sins and the sins of our people in this generation.
We ask that in Your righteous judgement of Your earth you will remember mercy.
For Jesus’ sake Who gave Himself as the perfect offering of atonement, in Jesus’ name Who intercedes for us at Your right hand, hear the prayers of Your people worldwide tonight.
Pierce and flood our darkness once more with Your powerful light, the beautiful light of Jesus, full of grace and truth.
Build Your kingdom again in this place and in every country and people, for the whole earth belongs to You.
Turn the hearts of people away from everything wicked and corrupt, from all pride and foolishness and the idols we make for ourselves. Kindle in us a love like no other, a thankful devotion, a joy-filled love for You and for righteousness.
Revive Your Church to call on Your name in prayer and serve in all goodness and love. Add to Your people more from every tribe and tongue, then come Lord Jesus in glory, bring evil to an end and make all things new.
We pray today for governments and leaders around the world, that You would instil in them conscience, integrity and courage to legislate what is good and right to benefit everyone. We pray for citizens and populations delivered from greed to share all You provide with humility and compassion.
We pray for those with responsibility for policies concerning the environment and healthcare. Give to them reverence for creation, for each and every life. Grant them wisdom and discernment in putting in place systems to bring protection and healing.
We pray for ourselves in the coming year, that our minds will be open to constant renewal by the inspiration of Your Word and our hearts will be open like our Master’s to a world lost in confusion and pain.
‘Restore us O Lord God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.’ (Psalm 80)
In Jesus’ name we pray
Amen’