Baker wetlands, Lawrence, KS.

God of new life,
God of life made new,

I begin this new year as I ended the last–
embraced by your spirit of love
your presence of peace
your gentle power.

I leave behind the old year in the knowledge that
Whatever I have done in the service of selfish desire;
Whenever I have participated in injustice;
However I have strayed from Jesus’ way;
You have forgiven me.

Lead me now into the abundant life of the new year.
Give me eyes to glimpse your presence in each moment.
Give me ears to hear the quiet promptings of your Spirit.
Give me a heart open to the joy and the pain of the lives that surround mine.

I set my feet
once again
on the way walked by Jesus.

These steps of peace may be difficult in a terrain that slopes toward violence.
These steps of justice may prove tiring as I walk against the  winds of injustice.
These steps of love may be painful with so much hatred to step over and bump up against.

Give me the wisdom
Give me the strength
to take these steps anyway.

Each day a new step.
Each step a faithful movement toward your kingdom.
Each step taken only by your grace
only in your power
my Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.

Amen

For a congregational version of this prayer, see an earlier post.

And for Epiphany:
A call to worship and blessing
A reflection from last year
A sermon from a few years ago