Three prayers to thank God on a birthday, yours or a loved one's, and to entrust the coming year to him with gratitude.
Pick a categoryThis page is for you if you are celebrating a birthday, or want to pray for a loved one on this occasion: a child, a friend, a parent. It is a moment to thank God for the years gone by and entrust the new one to him. You can read these prayers aloud, alone or with family, in the name of Jesus.
Lord, thank you for this day and for one more year. Thank you for the life you give me, for the people around me and for everything you have done in my story. Forgive me for my failings over the past year and teach me to count my days well. Thank you for friends, family and the small joys of each day. Help me live this new year with joy, gratitude and humility. May my heart stay turned toward you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Psalm 118:24
Father, you hold time in your hands. I entrust to you this new year, with its plans, its uncertainties and its challenges. Teach me to use my days well and not let the fear of growing older or running out of time rule me. Forgive me for where I lacked love or faithfulness, and lead me on the path you have prepared. I do not know what the year will bring, but I know you will be with me. I place my life in your hands. In Jesus' name, amen.
Psalm 90:12
Lord, today I pray for someone I love who is celebrating a birthday. Thank you for who they are and for what you do through them. May your peace fill them, may your light guide them, and may your grace go with them throughout this year. Keep them in your love and let them feel how well you know them and how much you love them. Give them health of body, joy of heart and faithful friends. May this new year bring them closer to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Numbers 6:24-26
« This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it! »
Psalm 118:24
I receive this day as a gift from the Lord. I choose to rejoice in it and give him thanks.
« I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well. »
Psalm 139:14
I praise God for the life he gave me. His works are wonderful, including in my story.
« ‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. »
Numbers 6:24
I receive the Lord's blessing over this new year. I entrust myself to his keeping.
Simply thank God for the life you have received, for the people around you and for his faithfulness during the past year. Entrust the coming year to him. The Bible says: "This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24).
Thank God for this child, ask him to keep them, to teach them and to help them know his love. You can pray with them, read them a verse and bless them as a family. The words of blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 are a lovely foundation to read aloud at every birthday.
Yes, you can thank God for the life of the person you lost, entrust your grief to him and ask for his comfort. Pray for yourself and for your grieving family, that the Lord would console your hearts. The fate of those who have gone remains in the hands of God, just and merciful.