Happy New Year 2010

In the name of the Holy One, Jesus, whose name we celebrate today, we wish all of you a blessed and Happy New Year. May we be ready throughout 2010 to receive all its gifts to us, and to use them in unselfish service to others!

O unfailing Source of light and mercy,

you have brought us to the beginning

of this year, sparing us to love You

and follow Your bidding:

Prepare us for the coming days.

With Your grace enlighten our darkness,

and strengthen our weakness.

Help us to forget the selfishness and sorrow

of the past, cherishing only the wisdom

and humility which they have brought us.

Inspire us with new purposes and new hopes.

Deepen within our heart the love of

truth and goodness. Renew in us the life

which alone makes life worth living.

Enable us to discern the solemn meaning

of these earthly days, and the high and

sacred purpose for which they are given.

Protect us from being unfaithful to You.

You have richly blessed us: lead us still

by Your hand; admonish and guide us

still by Your Spirit; and leave us not

to ourselves, Good Shepherd.

Let our selfishness and wrongdoing

never take from us the thought that

we are Yours. Do not let sorrow

nor weariness of life nor the darkness

and mystery of the world rob us of

our faith in You. Whatever light may shine

or shadow fall, keep us in the company

of those who trust and obey You, and

in the love and service of Jesus, the

Holy One of God.

Amen.

(Prayer taken from Office for New Year’s Eve,

Offices for Special Occasions, 1904)