I'm back from my summer holiday break and preparing the service for Sunday. It is a chance to give thanks for this time of year full of people, holidays, reflection and yes the possibility of the 'same old same old' routine in the new year and also of change and new horizons, the uncertainties of personal life and the blur and churn of history's flow, but also of new possibilities trusting in Jesus Christ.
As usual I humbly offer this prayer. I'm aware its very southern hemisphere orientated for the weather and seasonal nature... but hey! feel free to use any of it that you find helpful.
Happy New Year
Creator God,
In summer holiday
time we give you praise for what you have made,
Long warm
days, sand beaches, shade trees and cooling summer breeze,
The many
places we have been to explore, relax, unwind and recharge,
Distant open
sea, holiday coasts, countryside and wild bush destinations,
Even the stay
put, open space of city park and close by walks,
We thank you
for the people we have meet with
Family ties strengthened in festive
celebrations,
Old
friendships renewed and new acquaintances made.
Saving God,
In this new
year we’ve taken the time to look back and reflect:
On your grace
and mercy shown in choosing to become one of us;
Dwelling with
us and knowing life’s joys and deep sorrow and pain.
In Jesus, we
encounter the great Love you have for your people;
We know forgiveness
and new life in his death and resurrection,
We know your
guidance and enabling through the Holy spirit’s presence.
We see how
you have been with us in the ebbs and flows of the past year
How you have
worked your purposes, purposes for good, in our lives.
Loving God,
We thank you
for the chance to have a break and holiday;
To allow ourselves
to be recharged, invigorated for what is to come.
We thank you
for being with us in the difficulties that don’t take a break;
Your
presence with us brings us hope and gives us peace.
Thank you
that in our failings and wrong doings you are with us too,
You forgive
us and reconcile us to you and each other.
As we settle
into the routine again allow us not to loose sight of you,
Rather to see
that you are the one who leads and guides in all of life.
God who
holds our time in your hands,
At this new
year we look forward with uncertainty,
While it may
be more of the same, we do not know what is to come,
The seasons
and currents of this world seem to be in flux,
In our own
lives we sense the winds of change blow,
Help us to
look forward with the certainty of your presence,
Help us to move
forward in faith, trusting your sovereign guidance,
Help us to
know and show your generous love in all we say and do,
That we may
indeed bring glory to you God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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