Litany for the New Year

Here is a litany of confession and petition for the New Year.  It was written by Bass Mitchell.

New Year’s Litany

O Triune God, grant us your gracious, guiding presence as we prepare enter the new year. As we join Christians of every time who have awaited Jesus' return, lead us into this new time, confident that your promises will be fulfilled.

Hear us, O God: Your mercy is great.

Spirit of Truth, call us to repentance at the beginning of this new year. Forgive us for past unfaithfulness, silence in the face of injustice and inaction amid suffering. Move us from the desire to hoard our wealth toward faithful stewardship. Help us to share your gifts with those who cry out for daily bread.

Hear us, O God: Your mercy is great.

Prince of Peace, healer and reconciler, heal the divisions in your Church and among the peoples of the world. As you prayed that we should all be one, give us new visions to enable that unity. Be with us on our ecumenical journey, and with those sisters and brothers who surround us in the great cloud of witnesses.

Hear us, O God: Your mercy is great.

God of all ages, release us from fear. Lead us forward, even as you have led your Church forward from an empty cross and tomb through 20 centuries. Be our companion as we walk unexplored paths into an unknown future. Open us to new possibilities. Renew our hope. Grant us faith to move ahead. Be our companion until Jesus comes again. In his name we pray. Amen.

— Bass Mitchell, on his Homilies by Email website. Altered slightly.  

For more worship resources for the New Year, click on New Year in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or visit this Index of New Year Resources