Your Word for the Year: Inviting God into Your Story

Every December, I used to start thinking about all the goals I wanted to achieve in the new year. You know the kind—lose weight, read more books, get things done. And while those goals weren’t bad, they never really anchored me. They didn’t provide lasting direction when life got messy or when my carefully made plans fell apart.

Then I discovered the practice of choosing a Word of the Year— One word. One focus. One prayerful intention to carry through the year. And everything changed.

What Is a Word of the Year?

A Word of the Year is a single word you choose to focus on, pray through, and carry into your everyday life. It becomes a lens—a spiritual compass that gently reminds you of where God is growing you and where He’s inviting you to trust Him more.

It’s not about pressure or performance. It’s about presence—God’s presence in your year, your growth, and your story.

Why Choose a Word?

Choosing a word isn’t about predicting your year. It’s about preparing your heart for how God may want to shape it.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• It keeps your focus on transformation, not perfection. Your word reminds you that you’re being formed—not just fixing things.

• It offers clarity in the chaos. When life gets noisy, your word becomes a grounding reminder of what matters most.

• It helps you move with intention. You’ll start to notice how your word shows up in your decisions, your prayers, and even your setbacks.

How to Choose Your Word Prayerfully

This isn’t about picking a trendy word or what sounds inspiring on Pinterest. It’s about asking the Lord to whisper something just for you.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Pray: Set aside quiet time and ask: Lord, what do You want to grow in me this year? Where are You leading me to trust, release, or step out?

2. Pay attention: Is there a word, theme, or verse that keeps coming up in your reading, your journaling, or conversations?

3. Write a few down: Don’t rush it. Reflect on what each one stirs in your spirit. Which one feels like an invitation?

4. Confirm with Scripture: Look for a verse that connects to your word—it becomes an anchor for the months ahead.

My Word of the Year That Changed Everything

In 2022, my word was “Trust.” I sensed God gently telling me that it was time to truly learn what it meant to trust Him. My dad had recently passed away, and in the wake of that loss, I realized just how much I had been leaning on his faith. I didn’t have a deeply personal relationship with God—I had been going to my dad for wisdom, strength, and spiritual direction. When he was gone, I felt completely alone, unsure of where to turn.

But in that quiet, painful space, God met me. He reminded me that I wasn’t fatherless—I had a heavenly Father who had been with me all along. I began to see that He was inviting me to trust Him, not just in theory, but with my whole heart. He is the Father who loves me more deeply than anyone ever could.

That word—Trust—became my anchor for the entire year. In fact, it became so foundational to my journey that I kept it as my Word of the Year for 2023 as well. And slowly, steadily, my relationship with God began to grow. Day by day, I’ve come to understand just how deeply I am loved, and that I truly can trust Him in every situation.

Reflection Questions

• What word would help you focus on who you want to become, not just what you want to do?

• Is there a verse that keeps surfacing in your heart?

A Prayer for Choosing Your Word

Father, thank You for going before me into this new year. As I seek to live with intention and faith, would You whisper a word to guide my heart? Show me where You’re working in me. Let this word be a reminder of Your grace, Your purpose, and Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Want Help Discovering Your Word?

The Plans to Prosper planner includes a special Word of the Year section that helps you reflect, pray, and discover a word that’s meaningful and faith-filled.

Whether you already have a word in mind or you’re just beginning to listen, you’ll find space to grow in grace all year long.

Explore the Plans to Prosper planner here

What’s Your Word?

Drop your Word of the Year in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to pursue the year with open hearts, strong faith, and eyes fixed on Jesus.