As the bells ring out and the fireworks fly, we welcome in a new year. In noise and joyful anticipation, many look forward to a new beginning. In silence and fearful anticipation, others dread all that is to come.
Help us, God of new beginnings, to reflect on all that has gone before and prepare for all that is to come.
Help us, God of new beginnings, to do better in facing our wounds, especially those we have inflicted on ourselves and on others.
Help us, God of new beginnings, to be grateful for each new day, that we might make the most of the gifts that you have given.
We pray that this year may be more peaceful and more just than the one that has gone before, and may we pay our part in making it so.
For Christ’s sake. Amen.