As we launch into a New Year, there are many unknowns. We do not know what today will bring, let alone twelve months of days.

We cannot predict global affairs or the specific circumstances in any one of our lives. This means that, above all else, we need to entrust our steps to God and walk forward by faith.

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However, it may be helpful to reflect on our heartfelt intentions as we head into the New Year. In Romans 12, Paul gives such a helpful thought on interpersonal relationships:

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  (Romans 12:18)

Paul knew that it would be unrealistic to hope to control outcomes when we have no control or even influence over the actions and responses of others.  The context makes it clear that people will act dishonorably, and people will perpetrate acts of evil. 

And we could add that in the church, people will behave unwisely, unkindly, and destructively toward relationships we have poured ourselves into over many years. 

It is tempting to want to sort it all out, correct everyone, and fix the mess. Paul is more realistic. We can only do what we can do.

What is true in relationships is also true in all areas of ministry.  We can only do what we can do.  So in that spirit, here are three areas to consider as we head into 2026:

So far as it depends on me, I desire to live prayerfully this year

How would you define your priorities for your walk with the Lord this year?  This is the most important relationship you have, so it is wise to think through how you intend to lean into it in the coming months. 

Perhaps you want to prioritise time in the Word of God, listening to His heart and values to shape your own.  Perhaps you want to prioritise rest and the rhythms of sabbath to support your spiritual health. 

Perhaps you want to lean into times of prayer in a fresh way—transparency with God in all areas of life and struggle, responsive prayer with your Bible reading, and/or dedicating greater time to intercessory prayer. 

Of course, so much depends on Him, and so much is still unknown.  He may grow your relationship with Him in ways you have never considered, and maybe might never choose. 

Nevertheless, it is good to pray through what this relationship looks like from your side as you head into the New Year.

So far as it depends on me, I desire to live presently this year

We have other relationships that matter massively, too—marriage, parenting, other family relationships, friendships, ministry connections, etc. 

Every single person represents a multiplicity of potential unknowns. We don’t know anyone else’s future any more than we can understand our own.  However, we can pray through how we are thinking about and prioritising important human relationships as we head into the New Year. 

Perhaps you want to schedule more dates with your spouse, maybe even an overnight getaway or two during the year?  Perhaps your children have suffered because of your ministry commitments, and you want to prioritise the shrinking time you have with them before they leave home? 

Maybe one of your grown children is struggling and you want to find a way to invest in their situation for a season?  The intention could be definite and marked on your schedule, or it could be a value you desire to integrate into your rhythms of life—maybe the desire to be present in whatever conversation or situation you are in, undistracted by technology or the busy swirl of other commitments.

So far as it depends on me, I desire to live purposefully this year

The best-laid plans any of us make are quick to be interrupted by unforeseen complications—heavy traffic, problems with our computers, a broken washing machine, an unexpected phone call from someone in trouble. 

My wife and I sometimes remind each other that an hour going as planned is unusual in a fallen world!  The problem is that the overwhelming swirl of urgent needs and demands can make us feel hopeless and lose heart. 

We could easily say, for the next month, I will just do whatever interrupts me and whatever issue presents itself. It feels like we could live life with absolutely no priorities or purpose because there is always so much to do. 

The New Year is a good time to consider prayerfully what really matters.  What really matters in our relationship, in our parenting, in our home, in our church, in our ministry roles. 

What should I prioritise because only I can do it?  That could be reading to your children before bed a certain number of times each week, or it could be starting a new ministry in your church that nobody else can do. 

And if it means saying yes to something, it will mean saying no to other things.

As we head into 2026, let’s prayerfully consider both our inability to influence and control everything and our desires for what we can shape about the year ahead.

Peter Mead is mentor at Cor Deo and author of several books. He blogs at Biblical Preaching.