A new year begins in just a few days
and I’m praying, Lord,
to begin 2023 as best I can
– and with your help…
If there’s one thing I’m sure of – it’s this:
I can’t count on myself
to make the changes I need to make.
Only with your help, Lord,
will I change and grow and turn my heart around
– only with your help…
You’re the Lord of
freely given pardons,
second chances,
clean slates,
fresh starts
and new beginnings
– and I’m gonna need all of the above
as I begin a new
year…
year…
Most of all, Lord, refresh and restore my hope
that, indeed, I can make
a new beginning, a fresh start,
and that you’ll give me
the second or hundredth chance I need
to live as I truly want to live,
to do what I truly want to do,
to love as I truly want to love,
to pray as I truly need to pray…
Don’t let my disappointment over
past, failed attempts
keep me from trusting that with your help
I can do, I can accomplish,
I can realize my heart’s true desires
and live in peace with all,
faithful to your word…
So, make me modest in my pledges, Lord:
let my new beginning be reasonable,
my intentions pure and generous;
my efforts led by your Spirit
and my success the fruit of your grace…
Show me, Lord, in my heart of hearts,
what you would have me resolve;
help me persevere and follow through
in the year that lies ahead…
Help me live the new year just one day at a time,
each day filled with
your mercy,
your mercy,
your freely given pardon
and all the second chances,
clean slates and fresh starts
that fall from your heart and hand…
January 1 will be the day that you make, Lord:
bless me and keep me as a new year dawns
and I strive once again to walk in your light,
in your love and in your peace….
