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.

Holy God, 

We are people who are searching.  

We search for peace in times of chaos.

We search for comfort in pain.

We search for love in the midst of hatred.

Oh God, Help us to remember that we are not alone. 

Help us to remember there are people in this world living in chaos every day: the chaos of war, of family turmoil, of inner struggle.

There are other people in search of comfort – whether it’s from the pain of disease and injury, from the pain of loneliness and isolation, or from the pain of hurt caused by others.

There are people in this world searching for love – love in a city divided by hate, love from their families who have turned them away, love from themselves when they don’t feel worthy.

Help us to remember that we are not alone – that you have promised to be with us. 

Thank you for the times when we have known and felt your peace, comfort, and love. 

Help us to see how we can be instruments of your peace; reaching out to others with our words, our deeds, and arms of love.

May we do all we can to bring comfort to people who are hurting. May we grow in knowledge of your love so that we may share it with all those we meet.

Amen