Our Father, as we enter upon the borders of another year, we pray that our hope of heaven might be quickened and renewed. We would not enter upon these untried days with faltering steps and fearful heart. We would not tread the untrodden path alone. May we look upon thee for strength and guidance. May we look into thy face with childlike confidence and joy, saying “all things are ours, whether life, or death, or things present, or things to come, and we are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” Hold us, loving Father, enfolded in thine own eternity, that we may look with calm confidence upon the flight of time and the mutability of all earthly things. Help us to believe that, if we love thee supremely, all things work together for our good. May we be kept from foolish affection for things unworthy of our good. May the duties which await us be done with fulness of joy, motivated by love. May responsibilities be accepted with strong heart and cheerful confidence. If sorrow awaits us in the coming days, may we step fearlessly into the gloom, knowing it is but the shadow of thy out-stretched hand of love. Father, we would share our joys and bear with simplicity the prosperities of life. Keep us, we pray, in close and loving oneness with thyself and with thy children all over the world. May no child of thine ever seem to us common or unclean. May we hold ourselves in readiness to wash the feet of any disciple. We are painfully aware of our sins and weaknesses. We pray for forgiveness. Help us, dear Father, to be forgiving. May the mercy we ask of thee emanate from our own heart. Thou art not far from any one of us: for in thee we live, and move and have our being. At every moment and in every place, may we be aware of thy blessed nearness. When we come to the end of the journey and lay the burdens down, lift us to thyself. In thy presence is the fulness of joy. There may we abide. Through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Your Associate Minister & His Wife: John & Nancy Daniels
