Holy God,

From fireworks, to parties, to confetti that fell from the sky - We are mindful that today is a part of a new year.

In the year that has passed we have seen many things. Some of us have celebrated new babies, new jobs, new friends, growth, love, and good health.

Some of us have grieved. We have grieved the loss of loved ones, hard decisions we’ve had to make, changes in relationships, and the loss of stability in one way or another.

God, help us to celebrate together in good times and to carry each others burdens when times are hard.

We are also aware that regardless of the year that today is a new day. Today is a day when we can choose to live our lives in service to you. We can choose to seek you for comfort and help. We can choose to serve you by loving the people around us. We can choose to actively grow in our faith by learning more about you and seeking your presence. We can be your hands and feet and love in this world. So thank for that opportunity today and everyday.

May we learn from our pasts so that we may serve you more fully.
As we live in the present and look to the future may we be led by your spirit in all that we do.

We pray these things in the way Christ taught us to pray

Our Father, who art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever,
Amen.