Tips for Selecting a Word for the Year (WOTY)

Choosing a word from the Bible to focus on for growth, change, and prayer this year! What will your word be?

Take a moment to consider a word that describes your current situation, what situations you will face this year, or one you wish to explore further. You might want to delve into the meaning and application of a particular word in the Bible. Perhaps you aim to cultivate more grace, patience, or joy. Although the idea of having a "word of the year" (Wort des Jahres) originated in Germany in 1971, I only became aware of it a few years back. In recent years, I have selected a single word annually to study, research in scripture, and integrate into my life through prayer, aiding my personal growth. I actually focused on the word "GRACE" for two consecutive years because not only did I gain a deeper understanding of grace, but I also felt the need to extend it more generously to others. I've never been a supporter of New Year's Resolutions, but I am passionate about concentrating on a word each year and am particularly enthusiastic about exploring scripture to learn more about a specific word. Just as an aside, some people advocate for a "thought for the year," which is perfectly fine, but for now, I will continue with a word.

My first word of the year was "wisdom." Oh, what joy it brought me to create a notebook on wisdom! I defined it, recorded quotes about wisdom, searched scripture regarding it, and wrote prayers asking for more wisdom for myself as well as others. I refer back to my wisdom notebook quite often and am blessed every time I pick it up. Just a tidbit, the word "wisdom" is used over 200 times in the Bible! Think it's important? Some other words that I have chosen or considered are abide, patience, prayer, complete (complete in Him), blessed, trust, wait, vision, and many more. I am providing a sheet with suggestions in Google Docs until I can get it moved to the "Resources" tab on my blog: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aZ1Kerga2DhmfSHzpC5C3c-XahI2RcqUGEXZm2COUZI/edit?usp=sharing. I encourage you to walk through the following steps in choosing a word applicable to you.

1. Make a list of words that speak to you. Words that relate to your life or words regarding areas that you want/need to grow in or learn more about.

2. Pray over your list. Ask God to place on your heart a specific word from your list. Pray a scripture regarding your words asking God to open your eyes as to what word He can most grow you this year.

3. Find joy in your word. You should be excited about the opportunity to learn and grow as God leads you and opens opportunities to learn and walk through your chosen word with Him! Yes, I have been convicted by learning what God says about these topics, but oh the joy to know that He is growing and leading me. For fun make a visual using the words using EdWordle and see if one jumps out to you.

4. RELAX: Don't be in a hurry. Take it easy on yourself. You have 365 days in 2025 to think about and dig into your word. You do not have to have it picked or your method began by Jan. 1! Bask in God's goodness knowing that He knows you inside and out and is a patient Father as we strive to press on for Him. Grace is something that God is good at. Do yourself a favor and give yourself a little grace as well. Do set a timeframe to have a word picked and try your best to attain it. DO NOT stress yourself out in the process or give up because it takes a little longer. Slow and steady; little bites at a time.

5. Pray again. While you are relaxing and thinking... pray again! It's your lifeline to God- use it. Sister, learn to saturate everything you do in prayer. God will bring situations into your life and place words in your head and heart when you ask Him to.

   
   

   Verses to meditate on: James 4:8; Jeremiah 29:11, 13; Isaiah 43:18-19; Proverbs 3:5,6; Ephesians 4:22-24

   
   

   Prayer Prompt: Dear Heavenly Father, As I seek you in the coming year, I pray that I will seek you with all of my heart. Thank you that I have the assurance from Your Word that when I seek you, I will find you when I search for you with all of my heart. As I search for a word to grow in spiritually this year, I pray that You will make it clear the word that You can most use to speak to my heart. Lord, you know my comings and goings. You know when I get up and when I lay down. You know my thoughts and heart. As I open my life fully up to You, I know that You will guide me and give me joy as I grow in this area of knowledge and Your truth. Thank you so much that I can search Your Word daily drawing closer to you. I am trusting that You will grow me this year as I strive to grow closer to You. Amen.