2014 PRAYER

… for the new year …


"As we stand on the summit of a new year, God, we confess our undeniable need for You these next 12 months -- for Your presence -- Your guidance -- Your voice.

We submit our hopes and expectations to You.  Only You can give us the strength and wisdom we need to meet the challenges that, as of today, we are unaware of but which will surely come.

We put our finite hands into Your great and infinite Hands.  We express full trust in Your ways and thoughts and humbly yield ourselves completely to Your perfect will.  We may not know what lies ahead but we are assured of Your sovereignty and unchanging love.

When temptations come and stubborn self-will rears its head, help us not to lose our way but to be utterly sold out to Your plan, regardless of the cost or difficulty.

Open our eyes and our hands to the injustice all around us.  Enable us to live for others rather than for ourselves.  Let us respond with compassion and sacrifice to those hurting and in need.

Help us turn from our wicked ways, seek Your face, humble ourselves and pray like never before this year.  Bring peace and justice to a dangerous world.  Protect those in service to our country around the world.  Bless and lead those in positions of leadership in our nation - our cities - our churches.  Give protection.

Give us a greater vision of what You would have us be.  May we know You far better at the end of this year than we do today.

Bless families.
Heal marriages.
Give us health.
Unify us.
Provide as never before.
Let peace rule and reign in our lives.

Thank You for your grace and goodness in 2013 - far beyond what we deserved.  Give us a double portion in 2014.

This we ask in the beautiful Name of Jesus.  Amen."

And be blessed.