Do It All!

Happy New Year!

Surely the Lord has blessed us to start a new chapter called 2012. As we stand at the threshold of the unknown and unexpected, we hold tightly to our faith in Jesus Christ who is the same, yesterday, today and forever more. As we begin the journey of a new year, be sure to do all to the glory of God.

"...do all to the glory of God"

I Corinthians 10:31

In the quiet moments of prayer, we sincerely reach out to you O Lord, our God in the midst of cultural pluralism that presents challenges to the way we see and hear you. Thank you for your persistent love that transcends the troubles of this world to sustain us in seasons of joy and sorrow.

Forgive us for giving our best to the wrong things. Forgive us for giving our best efforts to trivial pursuits and our meager contributions to major kingdom service. Forgive us when we fail to do all to the glory of God whether in desire, drink, dress, conversation, thought and action.

Guide us so that we will know what is important and unimportant. Empower us to do the things that truly matter so that the things that don't matter will not occupy too much of our time. In Jesus Name, Amen.

VMM

Knock Knock

Eternal Spirit, come knock on the door and give us grace to open. Come to us in stimulating thoughts, clear insights, and illumined faith, in moving gratitude that makes us humble, in penitence that cleanses us, in a sense of vocation, that challenges us. Come to us in a fresh vision of Christ, his grace and mercy, his call to our consciences, and his appeal to our strength.

Let the light shine on all of us today, making plain some answers to our questions, some assurance for our doubts, some strength for our weakness, some vision for our duty, and may we be the more valiant and triumphant spirits because we have worshipped, in the Spirit of Christ, Amen.

Harry Emerson Fosdick

We're On Our Way

Prepare us Lord to begin a new year. Lead us to do those things that help our hearts and minds to be receptive to a fresh start.

Today:

We will begin by discarding thoughts, attitudes, and habits that are not compatible with an abundant, beautiful and excellent life.

We turn away from negative people, places and things and turn towards that which is positive and uplifting.

We let go of whatever caused past discouragement, disappointment, or disagreement.

We reach for those things that encourage, support and nourish my body, mind and spirit.

We stand boldly on your Word that tells us you shall do a new things, bring water to parched places and cause the wilderness to bloom.

We are open and receptive to new ideas, activities and relationships. We are on our way to a new year!

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

VMM

Make Plain

Eternal Spirit, come knock on the door and give us grace to open. Come to us in stimulating thoughts, clear insights, and illumined faith, in moving gratitude that makes us humble, in penitence that cleanses us, in a sense of vocation, that challenges us. Come to us in a fresh vision of Christ, his grace and mercy, his call to our consciences, and his appeal to our strength.

Let the light shine on all of us today, making plain some answers to our questions, some assurance for our doubts, some strength for our weakness, some vision for our duty, and may we be the more valiant and triumphant spirits because we have worshipped, in the Spirit of Christ, Amen.

Harry Emerson Fosdick

PRAYER EXPERIENCE

Every year I find that I am motivated to pray more. Yet, in a few days or weeks I've lost my enthusiasm. Motivation is the ignition but it is our habit secures the discipline. Thanks for the encouragement.

CJB

A New Year's Prayer

Dear Lord, please give me…
 A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
 A work to do which has real value,
 without which the world would be the poorer;
 A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
 An understanding heart;
 A sense of humor;
 Time for quiet, silent meditation;
 A feeling of the presence of God;
 The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
 With the wisdom to recognize them when they come. In Jesus name, Amen.

Anonymous

A Fresh Start

Prepare me Lord to begin a new year. Lead me to do those things that help my heart and mind to be receptive to a fresh start.
Today, I will begin by discarding thoughts, attitudes, and habits that are not compatible with an abundant, beautiful and excellent life. I turn away from negative people, places and things and turn towards that which is positive and uplifting. I let go of whatever caused past discouragement, disappointment, or disagreement. I reach for those things that encourage, support and nourish my body, mind and spirit. So, I stand boldly on your Word.. behold you shall do a new thing in me. I am open and receptive to new ideas, activities and relationships. In Jesus name, Amen

Which Way

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Prayer of Thomas Merton