As the year comes to an end and the holiday bustle subsides, you might be reflecting on New Year’s resolutions, writing down dreams, or setting new goals. Another way to welcome the year with expectancy is to define a “word for the year.” In case you’ve never heard of it, typically, a “word for the year” is something you are believing for in the coming year—a word or theme that stood out during your time with God. It’s a word you can continue to pray for throughout the year or use to help filter your decisions and remind you of what’s important.
A “Word of the Year” is more than a goal; it’s a focus, a prayer, and a way to keep your heart aligned with God’s plan for your life. Let’s explore why this simple practice can transform your year and how to incorporate it into your Bible journaling.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you narrow down your word.
Step One: Schedule and set aside a time for prayer. Turn off your notifications, tune out the distractions, and take time to connect with God. Every person connects with God differently, so decide what enriches you the most. Do you connect with God best in nature? When worship music is playing? When there is silence? Take time to examine what makes you feel closest to God.
Step Two: As you listen and pray, simply enjoy God’s presence without any pressure to figure it all out. If any inspiring thoughts or Scriptures come to mind during that time, jot them down. If nothing stands out to you on the first day, don’t get discouraged. Keep carving out time to connect with God and repeat the process. Most likely, you’ll sense a theme forming.
Step Three: As you listen and pray, also take time to reflect. Look back on the previous year and ask yourself questions like:
- What did God teach me?
- How did I grow?
- What is there to celebrate?
Then, take time to reflect on the new year. Ask yourself questions like:
- Who do I want to become this year?
- What prayers do I want to see answered?
- If I could sum up my hopes for the new year in three words, what would they be?
After you write down your thoughts, look for common threads. Take the three words you listed and add any others that come to mind based on the theme. Circle the ones that stand out the most and research the words. Notice any other variations that emerge. Continue to narrow your list until you land on the word that stands out the most. Write down your word and hang it in a place you’ll see it regularly. Maybe your word is “trust.” Visibly seeing your word can remind you to trust God when life is challenging in the coming year. Or perhaps it serves as a reminder to pray for a steady trust in Christ to form in you throughout the year.
A Prayer as You Begin:
.Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You with open hearts as this new year approaches. Thank You for Your faithfulness in the past and Your promises for the future. Lord, You know every detail of our lives—the joys, challenges, growth areas, and dreams. We ask You to speak clearly and gently, revealing a word or theme that will guide, encourage, and draw us closer to You in 2026. Make it a word rooted in Your truth, one that we can return to in prayer, Scripture, and daily life. Help us listen for Your voice above all others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- Clarity in the Chaos
Life can feel overwhelming, with countless distractions pulling us in different directions. A Word of the Year acts as a compass, keeping you centered on a spiritual theme or area of growth. - Spiritual Growth
Whether it’s “Faith,” “Peace,” “Trust,” or “Joy,” a Word of the Year invites God to work in a specific area of your life. It becomes a prayerful focus, shaping how you read Scripture and seek Him. - A Gentle Reminder
Instead of feeling pressure to check off resolutions, a Word of the Year gently reminds you to embrace growth at your own pace. It’s an invitation, not an obligation.
Why Choose a Word of the Year?
How to Choose Your Word
- Pray for Guidance
Begin by asking God to reveal the word He wants to shape your life. Listen for a theme that resonates in your heart or appears in your Bible reading.
Reflect on the Past Year
Consider where God has brought you and where you sense Him leading you next. Are you being called to surrender? To trust? To rejoice?
Be Open to Surprises
Sometimes the word you need isn’t the one you’d expect. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, even if the word feels challenging.
Consider God’s Character
A meaningful approach is to choose a word inspired by one of God’s five key attributes revealed in Exodus 34:6–7.
Bible Journaling Ideas for Your Word of the Year
Use Bible journaling to bring your Word of the Year to life. Whether you journal by hand or digitally, these prompts can help you reflect and grow:
Create a Cover Page for Your Word
Frame your Word of the Year with a Scripture that supports it. For example, if your word is “Hope,” use Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
Write a Prayer of Dedication
Journal a prayer asking God to use this word to transform your life. Decorate it with flowers, frames, or clusters to make it meaningful.
Reflect on Verses
Find and journal several verses that relate to your word. Write each one on a journal card and add them to a pocket or frame them on your page.
Track Your Progress
Create a monthly reflection page to record how your Word of the Year has shown up in your life. Look for small victories, lessons, or areas of growth.
Make a Vision Board
Incorporate your word into a creative layout with images, verses, and prayers that inspire you. For example, if your word is “Abundance,” include imagery of harvests or overflowing baskets.
Memorize Scripture
Choose one verse related to your word each month and commit it to memory. Journal about how it changes your perspective.
If one of these (or another) stirs your heart, pray over it and seek a supporting Bible verse to anchor it. God is faithful—He will guide you as you seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
I’d love to hear what word the Lord gives you!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post! May the words inspire and uplift all who read them. Your support and interest mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for every moment you spend here. Stay tuned for more, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!” Blessings, Margarita & Stace
