5 Ideas for New Year’s ResolutionsAndy Freeman - 31 Dec 2013

Since early civilizations in Babylon started to make promises to their gods at the beginning of a year, people around the world have made New Year’s Resolutions.  Christians have often spent New Year in Vigil’s preparing for the dawning of a new year and praying for God’s blessing for the 12 months ahead. 

I wonder if you have any for 2014?

Last year the most popular resolutions were things like losing weight, spending less money, quitting smoking or enjoying life to the full.  These all sound like good things to do, but Resolutions ... isn’t that a bit out of date?   You might be forgiven for thinking this is just a quirky tradition but apparently about 40% of American adults made New Year’s commitments last year. 

But whereas this sort of commitment has remained popular, a study for the University of Bristol in the UK has concluded 88% of people who set resolutions fail in them, even though 52% thought they’d be highly likely to achieve them.  So is there a point?

I’ve always appreciated the opportunity a New Year brings of fresh starts and the chance for a clean slate - something which fits very well with the message of Jesus in the gospels - we can all start again (John 3:5-8). 

As we approach New Year here’s five ideas you could have a go at:

• Why not find half an hour to pray either before or after the clock strikes midnight.  Like a candle and reflect on the year that’s past and the year to come.  Ask God to bless you.
• As the clock strikes Midnight why not slip away from the crowd for a minute and pray a simple pray in your head or quietly out loud.  Early Christians used a word ‘Maranatha’ which is an Aramaic word meaning “Come, Lord”.  Have it in your head and thoughts as you celebrate the New Year, that Jesus would come and fill your life and the world around you in 2014.
• What about trying New Year’s prayers rather than resolutions.  Could you have a consistent daily prayer for the year, which you can pray until it’s answered.  God would you help me to pray each day?  God would you help me to be kind to other people? 
• Organise a New Year’s Day meal with friends to discuss their dreams for the year ahead and pray together.

Make some simple cards or postcards with a blessing or prayer for your neighbours for 2014 and post it through their doors before they wake on New Year’s Day. 

Whatever and however you plan to mark this new start in 2014, may God bless each of you in this coming year.