As a child, I learned the beautiful verse, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.While each day is a new beginning, there is something special about the new year. In truth, January 1 is really just another "new day," but symbolically, it is a fresh start. We make plans, set goals, and feel a sense of closure of old habits and routines even though we know there is nothing magic about January 1.
2009 was a difficult year for many people I know, including me. Although I know that Friday is really just another day, I am looking forward to the symbolism of a new year and the promise that it brings. I may not be online again before then, so I wanted to leave you with several prayers that seem fitting. Each of these is from The Book of Common Prayer. I hope that they will give you peace and courage as you come into 2010.
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so
move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the
people of this land], that barriers which divide us may
crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our
divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us,
in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront
one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work
together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so
that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who
work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that
we may all share the fruits for the earth, rejoicing in your
goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer
want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this
land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find
suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment
for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities,
that they may be lively centers for sound learning,
new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom;and grant that
those who teach and those who learn may find
you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the
people of this land], that barriers which divide us may
crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our
divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us,
in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront
one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work
together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so
that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who
work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that
we may all share the fruits for the earth, rejoicing in your
goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer
want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this
land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find
suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment
for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities,
that they may be lively centers for sound learning,
new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom;and grant that
those who teach and those who learn may find
you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
I love you all. Thank you for being a blessing in my life.
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