Dear Father, we are thankful for new beginnings. Over time, we and all the world age, change and eventually become old. Your word says that we all change but You remain the same. We are grateful to know there is a source that is always new—a source from which we may draw for renewal.
We live in a constant tension against the ravages of time—on ourselves, all we know, all we love and all we have. We struggle to keep relationships right, hope renewed, faith steady and love strong. We need renewal and a fresh start, not just from time to time, but every moment of every day.
We need more than a New Year. Too soon our resolutions have been dismissed. Too soon we are right back in the same old habits. We need you, the One who has declared, “Behold, I make all things new!” We need to be made new ourselves. You are the Master Potter and we are the clay. Remake us in your Image, after the pattern of Christ, that we might live lives characterized by your Love.
It is only in you that we overcome the downward pull of disappointment and the backward pull of disbelief that permeates our culture. In your coming to us, bringing the life of Christ to us, we have glimpsed New, True, Eternal Life. By faith, we reach out to grasp your ever-New Divine Love, as we open our hearts to the effervescence of your Spirit. In you, all becomes new: hope is restored, faith is anchored and love is set free.
Lord, as we stand early in this New Year, just a few weeks old, we ask to become new again. Wash us afresh from our faults and failings, refocus us on the true purpose for which you continually re-create us, call us and redeem us. Restore our souls and help us establish our path in your will.
Make us new, Lord, that we might be prepared to walk with you and one another in peace, harmony and fruitful service for your glory. These things we pray in the name of the one who is the agent of our soul’s re-creation and who taught us to pray…
Our Father who art in Heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever. Amen.
Scripture for reflection:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. (II Corinthians 5:17-19, NIV)
Thanks be to God, who has declared:
Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away…
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new! Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:3-5, NIV)
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