A Prayer for the New Year


On this first day of January in the year 2012, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year.  In keeping with that spirit, I would like to share with you this prayer for the New Year offered by the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).


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O God of infinite creativity . . .
At the beginning of this New Year – winter for so many – the rich brown earth is even now preparing to burst forth with a spring of possibilities and new life.


Though the human eye cannot see it, you continue to bless the earth with new beginnings.



We praise you!


Bless us with new beginnings, we pray.


Where we have lost sight of your Reign breaking in – even now at hand – 
     Renew our vision.


Where we have faltered in reaching out to our neighbor in love, missing the moment to extend a hand of wholeness,
     Renew our courage.



Where we have allowed cynicism to dry our bones and sinews,
     Renew our hope.



At this beginning of a New Year, dear God, our arms are still warm from cradling the Babe of Bethlehem.


Help us to keep that memory strong.


Strengthen our arms to welcome your many children into communities of love.


Prepare our hearts to burst forth with a spring of possibilities and new life.


Stir us to be and share your love with the same vulnerability, the same humble expectation that brought you into the world in person.


Help us, your church, your disciples, to be harbingers of your reign of justice and of peace fully emerged.


O God of infinite creativity, at the beginning of this New Year, we know that you are about to do a new thing. Help us to perceive it. And to join in.


In the name of Jesus, your greatest new beginning, we pray.
AMEN

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