Most merciful God, whose love is as constant as the light of each new day and whose ways are deeper than any ocean depths, we bow before you at the beginning of this new year to ask that it may be a year lived by your grace directed by your plan and purpose.

Let your Holy Spirit come freshly upon us, so we may be different in the days ahead.

Teach us humility, so we will not act in our own conceit or merit.

Give us love for every human being, for every creature, and for all creation, so we may walk reverently in the world.

Instill in us a sense of wonder, so we may see your presence in every situation and circumstance of our lives.

Impart to the worried new confidence, and to the fearful a sense of praise.

Comfort the mournful heart and reveal fellowship to the lonely.

Soften our sensibilities, deepen our compassion, and stir up our commitment, so we may live this day and every day through this year as children of your covenant community, created, called out and commissioned by him whose name is above every name, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.