The following reflection activities all have the same purpose: to look back and process with God on what has been, and to look forward and entrust the desires of our hearts to him. He is with us every step, past and future. Our looking ahead is not with anxiety or goals we plan to conquer. Our Father knows all that will come and he plans to work in every event for good. Let the looking forward be filled with dependent prayer.
Father, please bring to mind the events and my responses to them that would be helpful to reflect on. Give me your perspective on the last year and eyes to see how you were at work. As I reflect, I will encounter my weakness, my mistakes, my sin — Lord, speak into these and remind me of your mercy, steadfast love, and faithfulness. And as I reflect on events that may still be painful, help me to cry out to you like the psalmist — you are my rock, my refuge, and my hope.
Father, the coming year is veiled, I cannot see what will be. But I know that you are already there and your light dispels the darkness, filling this year with hope. Lord, what are your desires for this year? Mold my heart that it would reflect yours and help me to walk into the coming weeks in faith, hope, and love, with eyes fixed on Jesus who goes before me, the author and perfecter of my faith.
Alternate Format
You do not have to reflect on a whole year! Any of these activities can be used to process and pray through a significant period in your life, whether a few weeks or a few years. Decide the period of time you want to reflect on, then choose one activity that looks like it would work well for you.
Practical Tips
- Choose one activity — All of the following activities have the same function, but step through the process of reflection in slightly different ways. Choose one that suits your personality and needs. Doing more than one of these activities will probably not be very helpful.
- Enter the activity prayerfully — Look to God to guide your time, that you would know what to focus on and how to understand what he has been doing. If you feel, at any time, that God might have you pause for prayer, praise, or to dwell on a particular passage of Scripture, feel free to stop and engage with God in that way.
- Don’t get bogged down — It is possible to become overly introspective with these reflection activities. We recommend spending no more than 60 minutes in one sitting. If you are unable to finish in this time, try coming back in the next day or two to pick up where you left off. If you are doing this activity as a part of a retreat, don’t spend so much time in reflection that you don’t have time left for Scripture meditation and prayer.
- Share with others — We do not walk this journey alone, but with brothers and sisters. After you have done your reflection activity, connect with a brother or sister in Christ whom you trust to share some of your reflections, insights, and prayers with them. Try to connect with someone fairly soon (perhaps within a week or two). If you’re processing on a crisis or deep griefs/losses, we strongly recommend you to find a safe and mature brother or sister in Christ to share with, perhaps a pastor, mentor, Christian counselor, etc. God gives us one another as a body to build each other up, to rejoice together, and to mourn together.