Here’s
a pastoral prayer for the start of the New Year. It was written by Rev.
Ian Elston.
Pastoral
Prayer for the New Year
Lord
God, as we look ahead to the year ahead,
we
do so with wonder and praise,
knowing
that whatever the year brings You will be with us,
knowing
that however lost we get you will find us,
knowing
that you will be by our side.
We
bring before you our prayers for the World.
Knowing
that all are in your arms
and
you love the greatest and the weakest;
the
oldest and the youngest;
the
wisest and the most foolish.
We
pray for the World:
that
this year may find the News not dominated by greed and fear
and
war and violence
but
be full of hope and expectation
and
that it may mark the end
of
the numerous conflicts around the world.
We
pray for our own country
that
she may lead the world in diplomacy and peace.
We
pray for all politicians this year
that
they may be filled with a duty to the poorest and weakest among us.
Lord,
we pray for this church this coming year
(mention
any upcoming events or challenges)
We
pray for the individuals who work together
to
ensure smooth running of church
(mention
by name)
And
we pray that all who come here may find a warm welcome.
We
pray for (mention any local or national issues)
Lord
you are with us at all times and in all places.
Bless
each one of us,
in
Jesus Name
Amen
~
excerpted from a prayer written by Rev. Ian Elston, and posted on the Church of
Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/18473/12_January_2014.pdf
