I absolutely LOVE this time of the year when we slow down for a few days and spend time pondering the last year — the successes, the failures, the disappointments and struggles, the joys experienced, precious new people who have crossed our paths, old friends who have walked beside us for years, important lessons learned, and most of all, thankfulness for the GIFT of each day of life.
Every year I choose a theme for my year. Several years ago a friend shared this beautiful New Year’s prayer with me, and it became my theme for that year, “Surprise me again, Lord!” Every day when I would wake up, I would pray this short phrase. I must admit that some of the “surprises” were not ones I would have chosen; however, because of this focus, my eyes were opened to small blessings that I might have simply passed by in the busyness of our lives. Since then, I have tried to make these words an ongoing part of my life, and I keep a “Blessings Journal” filled with the people and experiences that have touched my life in such precious ways.
My grandchildren are my greatest blessing!
Whatever your belief may be, I hope you enjoy this prayer, and that your New Year will be overflowing with delightful surprises! There is a wonderful thought from William Winter, “As much of Heaven is visible as we have eyes to see.” May we all live 2011 with our heavenly eyes wide open!
Blessings,
Barbara
A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER
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
