As one year ends, another begins... in prayer

As we approach the end of the calendar year, I offer you this prayer
with the hope these words might help us walk gracefully into 2011...

Good Lord,
it is the last day of 2010...

Only a few hours left in this old year
which seemed so new,
oh, not-so-long ago...

Where has the old year gone, Lord?
How did it go?

And how did I go with you, Lord,
these past twelve months?

I remember the times
we walked and talked together,
you and I...

And I remember the times
when I forgot, somehow,
that you were right there by my side...

I remember the times when you took delight
in my words and my work
and I remember the times I ignored and forgot you
- and still you loved me
and forgave me...

Nothing I have done, Lord,
merits all you have given me:
your love is grace and pure gift...

In return I offer so little
and I have so little to offer...

But there comes a new year, Lord,
and with it my prayer
to live a life more worthy
of all you so freely give me...

In this new year, Lord,
make strong my resolve to be faithful,
make deep my trust in your presence
and make sure my hope in your promise,
for without your help
I will fail...

Lord, you offer me only
what is true and pure,
good and just, strong and graced...

In this new year, help me to recognize
what is false, cheap and sham...
 
Help me to settle for nothing less
than what comes from your heart and hand...

Nourish me, Lord:
give me a hunger for what is genuine,
a thirst for what is holy,
a wisdom for discerning your gifts...

It is the last night of the old year, Lord...

Shake from my heart what has no place there
and wake my heart
to the gift of your grace
at the dawn of a new beginning...

Amen.



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