One Word for 2026 by Lisa Burkhardt Worley, D.Min.
“Have you chosen your word for the year?” a friend asked. “I actually had not thought about it,” I responded, “but I will pray about it.”
So I began praying for a word to live by in 2026, and this morning it came. “Your word is ‘prepare,’” the Holy Spirit said.
This word has many implications.
Preparing for a Wedding
My youngest son is getting married this year, and I have started the preparation for the engagement party this month and the wedding later in the year. My first training appointment was this week so I have committed to getting in shape this year. I want my body to be strong, not only for the wedding, but for the work the LORD has called me to do as the Executive Pastor of a church, as well as the leader of Pearls of Promise Ministries. It’s a responsibility to prepare physically for the rigor of the schedule ahead.
Preparing for Ministry Growth and a Battle
I also need to prepare for any spiritual battle ahead. Since taking on a pastoral role, we’ve watched the LORD move in powerful ways at our church. Our Pearls of Promise Ministry is growing but the intensity has increased. The enemy knows my love language is “Words of Affirmation,” so he has been bombarding me with negative thoughts and some trying scenarios. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” We prepare for spiritual battles by staying entrenched in the Word of God and prayer. Fight back the negative thoughts with the truth of God.
Preparing for the Lord’s Return
Most believers agree that we are living in the End Times, so it is important to prepare for Jesus’s return. We need to stay entrenched in faith, and remain connected to our divine source of power. We must remain alert. Matthew 24:42 says, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” I want Jesus to find me in good standing when He comes back.
Preparing for the Unexpected
We do not always know what tomorrow brings, but sometimes the LORD gives us a glimpse of the future. We need to be ready and willing to shift or walk down the path that He has prepared for us. We also need to be prepared to share about our faith, at any place and at any time, if someone asks us why we believe. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
There is a lot packed into the word “prepare.” I’m asking my Heavenly Father how else I am supposed to prepare. What about you? How are you preparing for 2026?
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