Welcome, friend
If you have been sensing the Lord inviting you into a fresh focus, a holy theme, or a simple anchor for your year, this guide is for you. A word of the year is not a trendy slogan. It is a Spirit led invitation to walk with Jesus with clarity and intention.
One guiding scripture
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Proverbs 16:3 NLT
Step 1: Set your heart
Before you ask for a word, settle your spirit.
Prayer
Jesus, I want what You want. I quiet my heart before You. I surrender my plans, my pace, and my preferences. Speak clearly, and help me respond faithfully. Amen.
Reflection
What do I want this year to produce in me
What do I feel anxious about
What do I feel hopeful about
Step 2: Ask the Lord directly
Simple is powerful.
Prayer prompt
Lord, what is Your word for me for this year
Lord, what do You want to grow in me
Lord, what do You want me to practice and become
Journal what you hear, even if it feels small.
Step 3: Confirm it through Scripture
God will never contradict His Word. Let Scripture strengthen what He is speaking.
Ask
Where do I see this word in the Bible
What does God reveal about this word
What does obedience look like in this word
Helpful scripture for discernment
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NLT
Step 4: Define your word with Heaven’s meaning
Write a one sentence definition you will live by.
My word is: __________
My definition
This year, God is inviting me into __________ by __________ so that __________.
Example
This year, God is inviting me into courage by obeying quickly and trusting His presence so that I can walk in my calling with peace.
Step 5: Choose your anchors
Pick one Scripture to memorize and one practice to live.
My anchor Scripture
Write it out in full
My practice
One daily practice I will live
Example: Pray before decisions, speak life, take a Sabbath, forgive quickly, read one chapter daily
My boundaries
One thing I will say no to because it fights my word
Example: people pleasing, overcommitting, numbing, procrastinating, comparison
Step 6: Put your word where you will see it
Ideas
Phone lock screen
Mirror note
Planner cover
Journal first page
Prayer corner
Write your word as a declaration
With Jesus, I will walk in __________ this year.
Step 7: Review it monthly
Set a monthly check in with the Lord.
Monthly questions
Where did I see God meet me in this word
What growth is happening in me
Where am I resisting
What is one next obedient step
If you are stuck
If you are not hearing clearly, do not panic. Stay close. God is not hiding from you.
Encouragement scripture
If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NLT
Try this
Ask for one word, not ten
Notice what keeps coming up in prayer, Scripture, and conversations
Pay attention to what brings conviction and comfort
Give it time, clarity often comes through consistent seeking
Your Word of the Year Page
My word: ______________________
My definition: _____________________________________________
My anchor Scripture: _______________________________________
My practice: _______________________________________________
My boundary: ______________________________________________
My declaration: ____________________________________________
I’m wildly cheering you!
Alita Reynolds