Prayer for the New Year - 2021

 

He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. 

He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. 

He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold? 

He sends out his word, and melts them; 

he makes his wind blow and the waters flow. (Psalm 147:15-18)

Creator and provider, who lifts up our heads when we are weighed down with troubles and grief; who keeps count of our tears and pains; who sends forth fresh reminders of your grace, mercy, majesty and grandeur. We bring our past year to you, like children with tear-stained faces, holding their broken toy out to their daddy. But we also bring to you this new year, like little kids rushing to the window pane, spying the thrill of a new snowy day! May what we have experienced season us that we may be wiser, more appreciative of the gift of life, more thankful for this day with family and friends, more humble in our plans and achievements. And may the promise of the coming year draw our hearts and heads upward, to look for surprising traces of your ways in the unfolding days, to walk more closely in your tracks as they lead us forward, to take what you give us, day-in-and-day-out, with thankfulness and joy. And most of all, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. For the honor of Christ, and the good of our hearts, we pray. Amen.