The popular practice of choosing a word of the year can be a Christian mindfulness practice. My word of the year is Renaissance.
Stopped in my tracks by an unsuccessful spinal fusion that caused actual damage, I am facing at least two surgeries this year. So my word of the year points to the Lord’s promise that he’ll walk with me through it. After the pain comes the Renaissance. No matter the results … and I have lost significant trust in modern surgery … something new and beautiful will result in my life and walk.
Picking a word of the year can open to a deep conversation with God. But it is certainly not mandatory to any Christian practice. It’s not a magic way to get better results in Life 2026. Still, if you listen to the Lord in prayer, you may find that He has a word for you.
One of my favorite hyphenates, author/Christian/YouTube star Jennifer L. Scott did a nice job of describing her process. (That’s her family’s new puppy in her arms, by the way.)
Choosing Your Word
The steps I use to choose my word are simple. They integrate easily in my practices of practicing the presence of God.
Prayer: I practice fixed hour prayer, contemplative (or centering) prayer and examen/gratitude daily. During those times, I ask God to show me the word or phrase for the year. A word may arise from prayers I am reading during fixed hours. (Often they include meditations on scripture.) It may come as I settle into adoration and closeness to God during contemplation. And it may show up as I review my own sins and weakness in examen and gratitude practice each night.
Christian Mindfulness: I practice the presence of God in the present moment. As I’ve said before, I enter each new situation asking God’s presence and blessing. I love the people I am with, and I exit the situation offering gratitude to God for what has happened. Over and over and over again.
Bible Study: You may read your word in the Bible. In fact, I know God is speaking to me when I experience synchronicity. I hear the same Bible verse multiple times a day. Especially when that happens, I pray attention.
If you struggle with selecting a Word, your spouse, prayer partner or small group could pray with or for you. They may hear what you do not. There’s also a LifeSpring word of the year generator for 2025 that could help.
Using Your Word
You may have watched Jennifer Scott’s video above. In it, she suggests writing the word scattered through the year on your calendar or organizing device. I’m definitely doing that.
You can also use your word in multiple examen and Christian meditation exercises. Do a monthly gratitude exercise to see how the word is appearing in your life. Take a mediation walk asking the Lord to show you what He would like you to do. Pray and journal over the word.
I know that my Renaissance will come in phases. First, relief. Some challenging situations are starting to resolve. And I hope some of the chronic pain will be gone. Then restoration: another surgery, definitely lots of physical therapy. Finally, regeneration. I am looking forward to a glorious new season of life!!!
May God be present with you as you find and apply your word this year.