As the end of the year approaches, many of us begin reflecting on the months behind us. For some, it’s been a year of breakthrough and blessings. For others, it’s been a season of trials, setbacks, and even heartbreak. Regardless of where you find yourself, there is one prayer I encourage every believer to pray before the clock strikes midnight on December 31: “Lord, help me leave the past behind.”

This simple yet powerful prayer carries the potential to unlock the new beginnings God has in store for you. It’s rooted in scripture and invites the Holy Spirit to help you release the weights, wounds, and worries of yesterday so you can fully embrace His plans for tomorrow.

The Call to Leave the Past Behind

The Apostle Paul gives us a clear strategy for stepping into the fullness of God’s plans:
“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV).

Paul wasn’t suggesting that we completely erase our memories. He was teaching us to refuse to let the past define us or hold us back. Whether your past is marked by failure, regret, or even success, clinging to it can become a snare. God wants you to step forward into the new thing He is doing (Isaiah 43:18-19).

But how do we leave the past behind? It begins with prayer.

Why This Prayer Matters

Carrying the baggage of the past into a new season weighs us down spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. Hebrews 12:1 admonishes us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and… run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

For some, those weights look like the bitterness of unresolved offense. For others, it’s the shame of mistakes or the pain of loss. Maybe it’s even the pride of past accomplishments that tempts you to settle instead of pressing forward. Whatever it is, this prayer invites God to deal with your heart and set you free.

Pray This Before the End of the Year

Here’s how you can pray:

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Your faithfulness in my life this year. I come before You with a humble heart, asking for Your help to leave the past behind. I repent of any sin, pride, or unforgiveness that has weighed me down. I release every disappointment, every wound, and every regret into Your hands.

Help me, Lord, to forget what lies behind and to press forward into Your plans and purposes for my life. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to lay aside every weight and distraction that hinders me. Open my eyes to the new thing You are doing in my life, and give me the grace to step into it with faith and confidence.

Thank You, Lord, for the new beginnings You have prepared for me. I trust You to lead me into the new year with clarity, peace, and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Biblical Encouragement to Fuel Your Prayer

As you pray, meditate on these scriptures to strengthen your faith:

• Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV): “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
• Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT): “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

As you release the past, you are making room for God to bring clarity, restoration, and opportunity in the new year.  Beloved, the best is yet to come. Don’t let the past hold you hostage when God has greater things ahead. Make this prayer your declaration as you cross into a new year. He is faithful to carry you through.

Let’s leave the past behind—and step boldly into all God has for us.

Pray with me: