A friend sent me this prayer several years ago, and it touched me deeply. I always choose a theme for my year, and that year I chose “Surprise me again, Lord!” because of this prayer. It was such a joy to wake up each morning and look for those surprises (although sometimes they were not surprises I would have chosen!) I hope this will help you focus on the blessings of this life as we begin another new year.
Response: God, surprise us again.
When we miss the beauty and joy of earth’s goodness…….(response)
When the goodness of others gets lost in the rush…….
When our frailty outruns our strength……
When the hope in our heart fades away……
When it seems the darkness will never give way to the light……
When even You seem far away……
Response: Walk closely with us, God.
As we strive to live our lives well…….(response)
As we journey into the unknown territory of a new year…….
As we learn to accept our weaknesses and our strengths……
As we stay faithful to our relationship with You……
As we open our hearts to the messengers You send to us……
As we accept Your constant love for us……
(Together)
God of this New Year, we are walking into mystery. We face the future, not knowing what the days and months will bring to us or how we will respond. Be Love in us as we journey. May we welcome all who come our way. Deepen our faith to see all of life through Your eyes. Fill us with hope and an abiding trust that you dwell in us amidst our joys and sorrows. Thank You for the treasure of our faith life. Thank You for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance of Your walking through the day with us. God of this New Year, we praise You. Amen
May 2010 overflow with blessings for each one of you, my friends.
With gratitude for your friendship,
Barbara
