Word of the Year
Choosing a single word to guide me through the year has become one of the simplest (and most meaningful) spiritual disciplines in my life. I’ve been choosing a Word of the Year since 2012, and over time I’ve seen how this practice gently shapes my faith in ways that feel steady, intentional, and deeply personal.
Unlike resolutions that tend to feel rigid or short-lived, a single word gives me room to grow. It becomes something I carry with me through ordinary days and unexpected moments. There’s no pressure to “get it right,” only an invitation to notice how God might be forming my heart over time. I think of it as a thread woven quietly through the year, reminding me to pause, listen, and pay attention.
When I choose a Word of the Year, I often experience:
deeper heart-level change
greater clarity in decision-making
comfort during uncertain seasons
gentle guidance rather than forceful direction
assurance that God is at work, even when I can’t see the whole picture
This practice isn’t about picking a trendy word or striving for self-improvement. It’s about creating space to sit with God and ask, “What do You want to shape in me this year?” Sometimes the word comes quickly. Other times it unfolds slowly through prayer, Scripture, reflection… and life itself.
To support this process, I created a free PDF workbook based on my experience and practice through the years. It is designed to guide you step by step to discovering your own Word of the Year. It offers thoughtful prompts, quiet reflection space, and gentle encouragement to help you listen for what God may be inviting you into in the season ahead. There’s no rush and no pressure, just room to be present and open.
If you’ve never tried this practice before, consider this your invitation. And if it’s already well into the year, that’s okay too! It’s never too late to listen for what God is speaking.
Download the workbook, set aside a little time, and see what unfolds. You might be surprised by how one simple word can shape an entire year.
