A Prayer for the New Year

Almighty Father:

As we reflect on the year that has passed, we recognize that there were times of both joy and of sorrow.  We rejoice in the new lives that came into the world and grieve those that came to an end; the jobs that were found and those that were lost; those individuals who commited their lives to You and those for whom we continue to pray.  We acknowledge that while we often failed to understand, You were present in all of these circumstances.

As we turn our sights to the new year, we pray for hearts willing to put Your will before our own; for eyes to see those who hurt; for hands and feet eager to take the good news into the world; and for the faith to put everything about which we care into Your hands.  Amen.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and pray to me and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
          Jeremiah 29:11-13