Loving Father,
You are the Lord of our history;
our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows.
We join all of creation in giving you
praise and glory for the year behind us
and for the days you give us
in the year ahead.
Forgive us for any misuse of days
passed, and help us in this new Year
to use Your gift of days
in a more loving and generous way.
Give us the strength to be less
fearful and anxious,
but to find our hope in the Good News
brought about by the gift of your Son.
Show us how to face
adversity with Your grace and only
the peace You can provide,
and to see challenges as
opportunities to draw closer to You.
Fill us with Your compassion,
that we may do our part to bring about
a more just and non-violent
world, and to care for the most vulnerable among us.
We thank you for the gift of this new
year,
and ask that you bless it, and help us be
good stewards of the time You have so
graciously
entrusted to us.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus
Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit,
One God forever and ever.

Amen.