wfn.org | PCUSA - Prayer for a New Year

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

This story available online:

www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09016<http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09016

> Prayer for a New Year

A monthly column for the church by the stated clerk

by the Rev. Gradye Parsons PC(USA) General Assembly stated
clerk

LOUISVILLE ¯ Lord, go with us as we travel once again into
a new year. It stands before us like an untraveled road,
full of promise and adventure. Give us the confidence to
know you will be there, whether we travel far or wander on
the scenic route.

We acknowledge that we are burdened with the scars and
scrapes of the past year. Let them not hinder us from new
opportunities to see stars and gifts that point us to a new
reality.

Help us to remember the many times in days past when we
were full of despair - how you never left our side, but
sent your Spirit to quicken our hearts with hope and
courage.

We will spend this new year with many people - some will be
easy to love and others will be hard to like. Remind us
that our witness for you should be that we see all people
as your children and relate to them as sisters and brothers
in Christ.

Strengthen our hands to do the work of bringing your
justice and mercy to this world. Open our ears to the cries
of the homeless, the hungry, the sick, and victims of war.
Show us new opportunities to serve you with hammers, pots,
medicine and our own presence.

Give us the voice to be a ready witness to the good news of
your son Jesus Christ. Break through our polite shyness and
help us to share how much your gift of faith means to us.
Let our eyes sparkle with the joy of your salvation.

Lord, grant us new vistas of faith. Give us a heart that
experiences a mountaintop vision in the midst of our daily
work. Show us the Christ in the other and help us to hear
the wisdom of those on this pilgrimage with us.

> In all things we give you thanks and praise.

> Amen.

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