A Prayer for Children: Resolutions

Looking Back, Looking Forward

As the year winds down and a new one begins, it’s a wonderful time to both reflect and to look forward, which are powerful practices to help us embrace Unity principles. Reflection helps us learn and grow from our experiences, while creating goals encourages us to be intentional about who we want to become.

Start by asking each family member to share memorable moments from the past year—both challenges and achievements. These could be interactions with friends, family, teachers, classmates, coaches, or instructors, or moments when they felt accomplished or when they struggled. Ask them to identify how they felt in these situations. Was it happy, brave, sad, or upset? Encourage discussion about how different choices could have led to different outcomes and what they learned. Highlight any experiences of kindness, compassion, or courage and compare these with times when they may have felt disappointed or reacted negatively. This allows for learning and self-awareness.

Then, shift focus to creating the new year together. Resolutions are more than goal-setting; they’re commitments that guide us to become our best selves. One approach is choosing a “word of the year” like gratitude, kindness, or courage. Each person can select their own, or you can choose one as a family. Discuss what actions or habits might reflect this word, such as practicing daily gratitude, making your bed each morning, showing kindness by helping others, daily time spent outdoors, a family walk after dinner, or a prayer said before meals or bed. Creating affirmations around our resolutions is another way to help keep them alive and present.

As you move forward, schedule regular family check-ins to revisit resolutions, celebrate progress, and talk about areas where they might feel stuck. This practice helps children learn the value of reflection, perseverance, and recommitment. Resolutions don’t have to be serious—they’re about making life more meaningful and joyful, setting everyone up for success and fulfillment in the new year!

A Prayer for Resolutions in All Children

With a few deep breaths, I bring myself into the awareness of the present moment. In this space I know all is possible for myself, my children, and humanity. We have the power to create through prayer and intention. I honor my word and the opportunity to be an example of what it looks like when we live a heart- and God-centered life. I give thanks knowing that we are all a function of the words we speak and the actions we take as we go into this new year committed to being our best and brightest selves. I ask God to help guide each of us to make healthy and wise choices for ourselves, one another, and the world.

A Shared Family Prayer for Resolutions

Together may we have the courage to do what’s right. May we stay true to what’s important to us, and know our words and actions make a difference in our lives, our families, and in the world. We can be the change that we want to see by choosing kindness, compassion, and empathy, knowing we are called to love ourselves and one another. I create resolutions that support me in becoming my best and brightest self, and I ask God to help me in keeping my promises to myself and others.

Together we affirm:

Did you know? All children are welcome to pray with Unity Prayer Ministry associates.