January can be a hard month, can’t it? Now that the cheerful hustle and bustle of Christmas is over and cold, dark days seem to stretch endlessly ahead of us, many of us become susceptible to the winter blues, leaving us feeling sad, lonely, or lethargic.
If you’re struggling in this challenging month, I hope you’ll join me in reaching out to our good Father and praying this prayer for January:
Lord, sometimes during this bleak month, we feel discouraged. Life is hard enough as it is, but the frigid air and the dusky mornings seem to make everything more difficult. When we’re sad or frustrated, help us search for the beauty You’ve put around us. Help us remember that this beauty is an expression of Your care for us, and as we encounter it, may our hearts be buoyed by the warmth of Your love.
Lord, January’s long nights seem to make us more prone to feeling lonely. When these feelings come, help us find comfort in the community of friends, family, and faithful Christ-followers that You’ve put around us. Most of all, help us seek and find communion with You. Thank You that no matter what, we always have You as our constant Companion.
Lord, sometimes during this season, our stamina seems as fleeting as the winter sun. Sometimes, we wonder how we’ll make it through another day. When we feel weak and weary, help us lean on You. Thank You that You are our strength.
Lord, we know You have good plans for us, but sometimes we lack the motivation to pursue our goals. Please give us grace to accept the slower pace of this winter month, and help us remember that Your plans will not be accomplished through our human striving but through the power of Your Spirit.
Thank You, Lord, that though these January days are dark, Your light shines bright. Help us remember that there is no darkness Your light cannot overcome. As we dwell in Your light, rest in Your strength, and bask in Your warmth, help us become beacons of hope and love to those around us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
