NEW YEAR’S PRAYER

This New Year, for me, began with Watchnight Services, fireworks and a time of hiding indoors with family from the torrential rain. I don’t know you were thinking about or reflecting upon that day but for me there was a sense of relief that 2020 is over and a hope of better things in 2021. For our hope comes not from the COVID-19 vaccines but instead from the living hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Let us look to the Lord for hope because of his great mercy, promises and power. May this puritan prayer be ours for this New Year.

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O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me

except the days are passed in Thy presence,  in Thy service to Thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains

Sanctifies, aids every hour,

That I might not be one moment apart from Thee,

But may rely on thy Spirit

To supply every thought,

Speak every word,

Direct every step,

Prosper every work,

Build up every mote of faith,

And give me a desire

To show forth Thy praise,

Testify Thy love,

Advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark (sailing ship) on the     

unknown waters of this year, With Thee,                             

O Father, as my harbour,

Thee O Son, at my helm,

Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt (prepared for battle),

My lamp burning,

My ear open to thy calls,

My heart full of love, my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,

Thy comforts to cheer me,

Thy wisdom to teach,

Thy right hand to guide,

Thy counsel to instruct,

Thy law to judge,

Thy presence to stabilize.

May Thy fear be my awe,

Thy triumphs my joy.

FROM: VALLEY OF VISION: A COLLECTION OF PURITAN PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS