Recently a friend asked me to share how I find my “Word of the Year” and what my process for using it throughout the year looks like. I figured it could be helpful to others who want to establish this practice as well.
My word for 2021 is ABUNDANCE. The first step for me is to rely on the Holy Spirit to speak the word to me through study, prayer, books, pictures, quotes, words from believers, or sermons. In fact, this year, I heard this word from the Lord in response to a scripture I was focusing on during the fall. I was focused on JOEL 2:25 and how it has related to all the events of this year — I will restore to you the years the swarming locusts have eaten. And WOW – 2020 has certainly been a “swarming locust year” for so many people. I was praying on this scripture and heard God say for me to claim this verse in ABUNDANCE for 2021….and there ya have it. From that point on I kept seeing abundance in books, scriptures, hearing it from friends and sermons, and it was everywhere for me. That’s the confirmation I needed from the Lord.
So, here’s my process:
1. I look up the definition as well as synonyms for the word.
2. I then use an online Bible search and look up all scriptures that use the actual word and its synonyms.
3. I took it a step further this year and wrote down areas in which I was going to pray for abundance each month. EX: grace, forgiveness, relationships, marriage, finances, wisdom, etc. (everyone’s areas will be different)
4. Next I took the scriptures and categorized them into one of the areas for each month. (I did 3-5 per month or basically one per week)
My plan is to pray those scriptures for that specific area during the month and memorize as many as I can. I am a paper planner and will write them in each week so I can refer to them, read them, and say them aloud daily. At the end of the year, I will be able to go back and see my progress and hopefully have memorized many more scriptures.
I know it may seem like a lot to get organized on the front end, but you can make it your own. Finding the word is the first step and praying on it for the year. In the past, I have simply found just a handful of verses on my word and prayed them over and over all year. I also look for books about the topic and try to read a few throughout the year. There are many ways you can incorporate your word into your next year.
There are some online resources to help you select a word if you are new to this concept as well.
Blessings for the New Year!
Love your word for the year! I’ve never seen this idea before and think that I will give it a shot. I also love the process that you use to study your word. Have an abundant 2021. Keep up the good work! ❤️
Thanks, Kay: I’ve been doing a word for several years and learn so much each time. Let me know what your word is if you do this!
Mine is determination.
I love this word! and I know you will do great things with it this year!