A prayer for the new year

Abba -- Another year has passed.  Like generations of Your people before us, we walk in this dark world by the light of your Word.  We long for Your return, when all things will be made new and we will be freed from these bodies of death that betray the life your Son purchased for us. 

As You said they would, the centuries since your Incarnation have been filled with wars, rumors of wars, disasters, diseases, famine and evil.  Mankind continues to build on sand, believing we can solve our own problems--yet we only make them worse.  Forgive us our arrogance.  Comfort those afflicted not only by evil design, but also those who suffer under the tyranny of good intentions.

Protect and guide Your people, Lord, in this time when it seems Your Spirit is no longer welcome even in places where it has long dwelt.  Give us good shepherds who hear Your voice and proclaim your Word faithfully.  Provide us leaders who govern wisely and well.  Pour out your Grace that enables us to live peacefully with one another and with You, rather than seeking only to do what is right in our own eyes.

Help us to raise our children to love and serve You, despite the many snares this world sets for the youngest of Your people.  Protect them from the Evil One, who wants nothing so much as their destruction.

Heal our land, Father.  In this election year, remind us not to follow men instead of You.  Help us to discern those who will govern rather than try to rule.  Remove the idols we have raised above You.  As our nation reaps what we have long sown, show Your people how to provide light in the growing darkness.  Give us strength to stand firm in the face of increasing hostility.  Speak to the hearts of our friends and neighbors, and open their eyes to the truth of Your Word.  Give us all the humility to turn from the evils we have too long accepted in our midst.

Remind us to pray continually for our brothers and sisters in lands where taking Your Name often leads to suffering and death.  Shine Your light into these dark strongholds, that Your Kingdom may grow there.  Help us to appreciate the greater freedom of action we have, and not to be complacent about our opportunities to serve.

Most of all, renew our faith each day.  Help us when we are tempted to unbelief.  Remind us that you are not slow in keeping your promises, and that each day until Your return exists because You are not willing that any should perish.  As you provide each day for repentance, give us our daily sustenance to be part of Your work.

May we walk closer with You in 2012 than ever before.  Amen.