Most merciful God, your love is as constant as the shining of the sun beyond the clouds. Your ways are deeper than any ocean depths. We bow before you this new year to ask that it may be a year lived in your will and in your grace.
Let your Spirit come freshly upon us that we may be different in the days ahead. Teach us humility that we nay not act in our own conceit. Give us love for every creature that we may walk reverently in the world. Instill in us a sense of wonder that we may see your presence everywhere.
Give the worried new confidence, and to the fearful a sense of trust. Give to the sick and the troubled the power to praise. Comfort the mournful heart and reveal friendship to the lonely. Quicken our senses, deepen our compassion, and stir up our commitment that we may live this day and this year as children of the new covenant, your grace filled family.
Help us to see ourselves as created, called out, and commissioned to create new ties that bind human beings to one another. Help us to see your face, grow in grace, and serve others in your place–as your hands and feet in our neighborhood.
We pray in the mercy of Christ. Amen.
Based on a prayer composed by writer John R Killinger. Thank you, First Lutheran Church of Columbus!