In lieu of a new blog entry this week, I wanted to share a somewhat amended version of a prayer Billy Graham worded at the beginning of 2013.
Our Father and our God, as we stand on the threshold of 2014 we confess our need of your presence and guidance as we face an uncertain future. We each have our hopes, dreams and expectations for the coming year, but you alone know what it holds for us and only you can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. Please help us to put our hands into your hand and to trust you to seek your will for our lives in 2014.
In the midst of life’s uncertainties, assure us of the certainly of your unchanging love. In the midst of life’s inevitable disappointments and heartaches, help us to turn to you for the stability and comfort we need. In the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn will, help us not to lose our way but to have the courage to do what is right in your sight regardless the cost. In the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need.