As we begin our fresh New Year there is much that can be said.
But before all the talking, it seems that the best place we can begin is…
on our knees.
A Prayer for the New Year
Our Father and our God, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future.
We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year.In the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love.
In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need.
In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost.
And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. May our constant prayer be that of the ancient Psalmist: “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end” (Psalm 119:33).
We pray for our nation and its leaders during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for Your protection on all those who serve in our armed forces, and we thank You for their commitment to defend our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives. Be with their families also, and assure them of Your love and concern for them.
Bring our divided nation together, and give us a greater vision of what You would have us to be. Your Word reminds us that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).
As we look back over this past year we thank You for Your goodness to us—far beyond what we have deserved. May we never presume on Your past goodness or forget all Your mercies to us, but may they instead lead us to repentance, and to a new commitment to make You the foundation and center of our lives this year.
And so, our Father, we thank You for the promise and hope of this new year, and we look forward to it with expectancy and faith. This I ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, who by His death and resurrection has given us hope both for this world and the world to come.
Amen
© 2008 Saturday Evening Post Society. Reprinted with permission.
Written by the Rev. Billy Graham – Billy Graham.org
Now all glory to God, who is able,
through his mighty power at work within us,
to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
May your 2013 be Extraordinary!!
Love,
Diane
To receive bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now.
Sharing with Katherine’s Corner + Common Ground
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks so much for reading!
Please stop by Longaberger Lifestyle
Treat Yourself and Your Family to Flameware – Healthy Ceramic Cookware from Longaberger!
Don’t miss out on the fantastic Tuesday & Wednesday SALES!
Diane, I love that prayer. I love Billy Graham and have read many of his prayers and books, but have never seen the prayer for the New Year. How beautiful. I am printing it out for my family. Thank you for sharing! I hope you and yours find health and happiness in 2013!
Hi Christa! I just happened on that prayer one day and couldn’t wait to share it. It is so complete and beautiful.
My you and yours be blessed beyond imagination in the New Year!
Amen……..
Wow–what a powerful and inclusive prayer.
How did you know ‘on our knees’ is what truly works for me?
*sigh* Bit of a task making that happen right now.
I know He understands! 😉
Thank you.
This was lovely, needed and welcomed.
I’m wearing big smile right now. 😀
Oh how we need to assume that posture. Humbling, too.